Independent newsagents raised concerns about plans for a tobacco display ban and shop crime when a delegation from the National Federation of Retail Newsagents (NFRN) visited Northern Ireland.
The delegation, including its national president Suleman Khonat, aired their concerns in a meeting SDLP deputy leader Patsy McGlone at a meeting in Stormont.
They told the MLA for Mid Ulster that, while they were supportive of efforts to reduce tobacco consumption, especially among young people, they were concerned that banning displays would place a further burden on retailers rather than achieve the target of reducing youth smoking.
Instead NFRN members said they would like to see more educational initiatives to encourage young people not to smoke and for a greater crack down on the illegal trade.
Representing the NFRN were Northern Ireland president Brendan Conway and his wife Pauline, John and Maureen McDowell and Raymond and Moira Farrell.
After the meeting, Conway from Cookstown said: “We were delighted to have the opportunity to give Mr McGlone a real insight into the key issues that independent retailers face.
2Our members are at the heart of their communities and their survival is critical.”
He added: ” It was a very positive meeting. Mr McGlone listened very carefully to what we had to say and told us he would assist in every way possible.”
Source: NFRN
