Banning the display of tobacco products is unnecessary, unjustified and unwanted in Scotland, says the TMA

On the eve of the debate and vote on the Tobacco and Primary Medical Services (Scotland) Bill, Christopher Ogden, Chief Executive of the Tobacco Manufacturers’ Association (TMA), commented:

“This bill contains provisions that would implement a ban on the display of tobacco products at the point of sale in Scotland. The proposed ban is unnecessary, unjustified and unwanted by many stakeholders, especially the retailers whose businesses will be adversely affected to no purpose.

“The serious unintended consequences of this proposal have been ignored by the Scottish Health and Sport Committee. We believe, as recent evidence in Ireland (1) proves, that organised crime will exploit the display ban. The proposed legislation will make illicit, unregulated tobacco products easier to sell.

“There is no credible evidence to support the government’s stated objective that a ban would reduce youth smoking. Recent evidence from Canada has demonstrated that youth smoking has remained the same or increased in 5 of the 8 Canadian provinces that have implemented a display ban (2).

“We hope that common sense will prevail and the Bill will be amended when it is debated in the Scottish Parliament tomorrow. The last thing we need in the midst of challenging economic times is further regulation that will facilitate illicit trade in tobacco products and impact adversely on thousands of small retailers and the communities they serve.”

For further information, please contact:
Dirk Vennix, TMA Director of Communications
24 Hour Press Line: 020 7544 0111
Mobile: 07872376748
Email: dvennix@the-tma.org.uk

(1) The Republic of Ireland implemented a ban on the display of tobacco products in July 2009.
(2) Canadian Tobacco Use Monitoring Survey 2008 (Current smokers aged 15-19).