Tobacco displays

Published on Thursday 17 September 2009 20:40

Further to the comments of Japan Tobacco International's Daniel Torras (Letters, 17 September), the Canadian province of Saskatchewan has had seven years' experience with a retail display ban.

A government survey shows our youth smoking rate has decreased from 29 per cent in 2002 to 20 per cent in 2008. All parties supported this and other measures, and the law has had good public support. Ex-smokers also say it is easier to resist the temptation to resume smoking when not faced with tobacco displays.

The negative economic impact claimed by the tobacco industry and others has not happened. Neither has there been an increase in smuggling.

We commend the Scottish Government for putting the interests of Scotland's children first. Please ignore the fear-mongering of an industry that is only interested in garnering new customers. It will fight to keep its product in front of the next generation of smokers – the children and youth of Scotland.

LYNN GREAVES

President, Saskatchewan Coalition for Tobacco Reduction

Winnipeg St

Regina, Canada