News Release: Our response to Proposed UK Legislation on Tobacco Display Bans

Source from:  British American Tobacco 12/11/2008

The Department of Health said today that it intends to remove cigarette displays from shops and restrict access to cigarette vending machines. Michael Prideaux, our Director, Corporate and Regulatory Affairs, commented: "A ban on the display of tobacco products in shops is not justified because there is no reliable evidence suggesting it will lower smoking rates or stop young people from starting to smoke. "The Government should also take care not to ignore the significant cross-party support for retailers who oppose an outright ban." He added: "The Government must listen to the tens of thousands of smaller retailers nationwide who are worried about costly shop refits and losing trade to big supermarkets and the black market, especially against a backdrop of tough economic times." Both British American Tobacco and retailers believe an "under the counter" culture would serve to increase the black market by blurring the line between legitimate and illicit cigarettes making it harder to reinforce the message that smuggling, counterfeit and piracy are crimes. The Government already accepts that the illegal trade makes cigarettes more accessible to children, often at pocket money prices. Tackling tobacco smuggling is a top priority for both HM Revenue & Customs and the UK Border Agency, who recently announced their intention to increase their close co-operation with legitimate tobacco companies. Recent official estimates are that 13% of cigarettes and 56% of hand-rolling tobacco sales in the UK are illicit. Cross-border shopping takes the figures to 21% and 67% respectively. Vending machines We believe cigarette vending machines should not exist in places where children go unless they are fitted with age verification systems and are situated in view of staff. Enditem