SGF Fights on Against Tobacco Display Ban

The Scottish Grocers’ Federation (SGF) will continue its campaign for common sense on the tobacco display ban despite the majority of MSPs supporting the general principles of the Tobacco and Primary Medical Services (Scotland) Bill at Stage 1.

John Drummond, Chief Executive of the SGF, said:

“It is disappointing that so many MSPs support the introduction of a display ban despite the flimsy evidence it will make a difference to youth smoking.

“We believe MSPs should exercise their judgement on the merits of the evidence. SGF will continue to make the case to MSPs that the cost of the display ban, imposed on retailers at the worst possible time, is being pushed through in the face of weak evidence.”

The Tobacco and Primary Medical Services (Scotland) Bill will now return to the Health and Sport Committee for Stage 2 consideration when the Committee considers amendments to the Bill. SGF has been urging retailers to make their voice heard to their local MSPs.

John Drummond said;

“Retailers can still make a difference by writing to their MSP stating the simple case that the convenience store sector has been making since the Bill was introduced: that there is no evidence for the benefits of a display ban, yet the costs to retailers would be significant.”