The Association of Convenience Stores (ACS) has accused the government of underestimating the cost for local retailers of its proposed ban on tobacco displays in shops.
ACS chief executive James Lowman (pictured) said: “Our evidence shows categorically that the costs of the ban for local shops have been severely underestimated.
“Throughout the passage of the bill through Parliament, Ministers have talked about a ‘light touch’ approach to these regulations, and have estimated the costs of the ban being between £210 and £850 per store.
“Our research, including detailed discussions with shop-fitters, shows the likely cost of installing flaps over existing gantries will be more than double the government estimates, at around £1,840 per store.
“We have also found that the proposal would cause significant problems for staff in their daily activities of serving customers and restocking. The slowing of service times in particular will harm customers and the costs of the ban would continue to grow over time.”
