Delay of Tobacco Display Ban Provides Opportunity to Review Policy

Commenting on today’s announcement made by the Public Health Minister Shona Robison that the implementation of the tobacco display ban will be delayed due to a ongoing legal challenge, John Drummond, Chief Executive of the Scottish Grocers’ Federation (SGF) said,

“SGF welcome this sensible decision. The prolonged uncertainty caused by the legal challenge has made it impossible for retailers to prepare for the changeover within the current timescales.

“With evidence from Ireland and Canada suggesting displays bans are not an effective method of reducing youth smoking rates, we hope the Scottish Government will use this delay to review the policy and look for more effective solutions to reduce youth smoking including tougher action against adults found to be purchasing tobacco on behalf of a child, improved education and a clearly defined remit for Trading Standards and the Police to target offenders caught selling illegal tobacco.”