JTI Attacks Tobacco Display Proposals

Source from:  Talking Retail 01/20/2009

Japan Tobacco International (JTI) has said there is "no reliable evidence" to support the government's proposed tobacco display ban. According to JTI, the figures used in the official report into consultation on the ban can be questioned. It said the consultation process is flawed and many responses in it can also be attributed to government employees. Regional president for the UK and Ireland Eddy Pirard said: "This emphasis clearly creates a distorted view of the consultation process. The answer was guaranteed before the question was asked." JTI argues that there are better ways of reducing youth smoking and that a ban would fuel that illicit tobacco trade. Of the responses to the Department of Health consultation, JTI said 79, 272 are from people working for government agencies or NGOs. The company's brands include Silk Cut and Mild Seven. Small stores will not have to implement any ban until 2013. The Association of Convenience Stores (ACS) last week said new penalty notices for disorder include one for selling cigarettes to underage customers. This has not been discussed with the trade, the ACS said. Enditem