Packaging Sector Opposes Display Ban Proposal

Source from:  Tobacco Reporter 10/19/2009

Counterfeit cigarettes could thrive under a new law forcing retailers in England to hide tobacco products under the counter, according to a report by Josh Brooks for Packaging News. Small retailers will have until 2013 to remove their cigarette displays while bigger retailers will be expected to make the change by 2011 under a bill endorsed by MPs on Monday but that has yet to go before the House of Lords. Some in the packaging sector have argued that, if introduced, the ban will offer an opportunity for counterfeiters to gain a greater hold on the market. "Our concern would be the reduction in required print quality which is likely to lead to higher rates of counterfeiting," said Chesapeake marketing manager, Bob Houghton. "There would also be significant costs associated with the move both for the print industry and the tobacco sector." Meanwhile, Christopher Ogden, chief executive of the Tobacco Manufacturers' Association, was quoted as saying the TMA believed organized crime would exploit the ban. The regulations would make it easier for rogue traders to hide and sell illicit, unregulated tobacco products. Enditem