“Taking tobacco off display would come with considerable operational and equipment costs and we will be urging the Department [of Health] to take these into proper account.
“We would expect the Government to present a clear case that these measures were necessary before placing yet another significant burden on thousands of retailers across the country.”
Public Health Minister Dawn Primarolo said it was “vital” to teach children that “smoking is bad”.
“If that means stripping out vending machines or removing cigarettes from behind the counter, I’m willing to do that,” she said.
Primarolo said: “Children who smoke are putting their lives at risk and are more likely to die of cancer than people who start smoking later.”
Government proposals also include banning cigarettes from pub vending machines.
Legislation banning tobacco displays has already been introduced in Ontario, Canada and in two Australian States.
The National Federation of Retail Newsagents (NFRN) also expressed concern at the proposals.
NFRN National President, Colin Finch, said: “We are concerned regarding security, counterfeiting and the cost of the transition.
“Current display cabinets can be locked securely – avoiding or making theft more difficult.
“Additionally the current display gives customers the confidence that they are buying a legal product. ‘Under the counter practices’ may encourage a minority of rogue retailers to trade in counterfeit tobacco.
“Finally, the cost of replacing current display cabinets and refurbishing that space should not be taken lightly, particularly for small and independent retailers who do not have access to the funds of larger outlets.”
