Point of Sale Regulations are Disproportionate

Today, the Government has laid before parliament the regulations relating to Point of Sale (POS) advertising.

The draft regulations permit static, single or multiple advertisements, measuring in total no more than A5 in size, of which 30 per cent must be a health warning. Only one advertisement per outlet is allowed, regardless of how many gantries or display units are located on the premises.

Tim Lord said: “We are surprised and disappointed at the degree of restrictions, which are disproportionate and inconsistent with the consultation process. They prevent any form of meaningful or effective communication with customers.

The Regulations take no proper account of the vast differences between the various types of retail outlets which sell tobacco products, and the way in which these products are displayed.

Furthermore, they are so restrictive that, given the number of different tobacco products on sale, they will stifle competition between the different manufacturers.