SGF Urge Retailers to Rally Against a Tobacco Display Ban in Scotland

As MSPs return to the Scottish Parliament after the summer recess SGF is urging retailers to make their MSPs aware of their concerns abt the impact a display ban will have on their business.

Stage 1 of the Tobacco and Primary Medical Service (Scotland) Bill, which includes measures to ban the display of tobacco, must be debated by the end of September.

John Drummond, Chief Executive of the Scottish Grocers’ Federation (SGF) said,

“SGF has opposed a display ban from the start and has worked hard to ensure MSPs are aware of the industry’s opposition to a display ban. However, as MSPs begin to debate the Bill we need retailers to tell their MSPs the impact it will have on their businesses in terms of the significant cost to retailers despite there being no compelling evidence that a display ban would reduce youth smoking rates.

“Time is running out on this issue and I would urge everyone to get involved. Only by showing that the whole sector is against the tobacco display ban will we have a chance of defeating this measure.”

SGF is co-ordinating a letter writing campaign to encourage retailers to lobby their MSPs. The letter, plus details on how to contact your MSPs are available on the SGF website. www.scottishshop.org.uk.