Convenience retailers have reacted angrily to the news the government will press ahead with moves to ban tobacco displays in stores.
The Association of Convenience Stores (ACS) said the legislation will cost every store £5,000 and up to £252m for the whole industry.
According to the ACS, there is no “compelling evidence” that the ban has led to a reduction in smoking where it has already been introduced.
Earlier today, the Tobacco Manufacturers’ Association and British Retail Consortium made the same reservations public.
James Lowman, chief executive, said: “This announcement makes a mockery of government claims to be the friend of small and local businesses.
“It is deeply frustrating that whilst the government is willing to treat dismissively robust evidence provided by experts here and abroad about the cost impact on retailers, they are willing to rely on inconclusive and flimsy evidence of the benefits of this measure.”
Adding that the ACS will assist convenience stores to reduce costs in any way, Lowman said the government is wasting energy by implementing the new laws.
He said “properly resourced interventions” such as improved education of young people and policing of the black market are needed.
Convenience store owners last week said they are also worried about the possible changes in alcohol promotions laws, claiming the alterations could be unnecessary bureaucracy.
