The Scottish Grocers’ Federation has again expressed its concern over the planned removal of tobacco displays from retail outlets, after the release of new survey.
It said there are “better ways” of ensuring people do not start smoking after the publication revealed smoking among youngsters is now at levels last seen a decade ago.
The Rural Shops Alliance this month said the move plays into the hands of smugglers.
Chief executive John Drummond said: “Experience from countries which have implemented a display ban demonstrate the benefits of a ban are not proven.
“Despite this lack of evidence the Scottish government is determined to proceed with a ban which will cost a typical convenience store up to approximately £10,000 just to modify the store.”
He said the ban will “demonise” and “mystify” tobacco, meaning it could become more fascinating to youngsters, who will then buy it from counterfeiters.
Drummond added: “What is needed is effective deterrents against adults who give children cigarettes or allow them to be taken, education of young people and properly resourced policing of the black market.”
Exclusive research from TalkingRetail.com suggested shoppers back the sale of cigarettes in supermarkets.
