Concerns still smouldering over plans to ban packs of ten and tobacco displays in shops

Anti-smoking campaigners are meeting with retail representatives to discuss problems they fear will hit shops if legislation to move tobacco out of sight is passed by the Scottish Parliament. But many shops remain concerned about the costs of the plans – such as fitting new units for the storage of tobacco – and the tobacco industry has not yet shown willingness to contribute to the cost of the refits.

Action on Smoking and Health (ASH) Scotland believes the changes are vital if the number of young people taking up smoking is to be reduced.

In May, the Scottish Government unveiled proposals to tackle smoking, including a ban on displays and ten-packs of cigarettes, thought to appeal to children because of lower cost.

Public health minister Shona Robison said giving cigarettes "pride of place" in shops did not fit with the government's ambition "to create a climate in which everything possible is done to dissuade people, particularly young people, from smoking".

Retailers are concerned that moving displays may increase the risk of theft if they have to turn their backs for too long to retrieve cigarettes. They also worry that the cost of new units, could badly affect small shops.

Sheila Duffy, chief executive of ASH Scotland, says it is keen to discuss problems before legislation was passed. "We want to work with retailers and discuss any legitimate concerns that they might have about possible changes," she says.

ASH Scotland has met with the Scottish Grocers Federation (SGF) and the National Federation of Retail Newsagents to hear their fears, and also plans to meet with major supermarkets.

Responding to cost concerns, Duffy says evidence from other countries where displays were banned shows that the tobacco industry helps pick up the bill to make sure products are still sold.

Duffy also says that concerns about store closures have not materialised in other places. She says in the Canadian province of Saskatchewan there have been no reports of a negative economic impact after a display ban was introduced in 2002.

Duffy adds: "I think there are legitimate concerns and for some of these concerns there are solutions. I certainly get the feeling retailers understand the principle of trying to stop young people becoming hooked."

John Drummond, chief executive of SGF, says the meetings with ASH have been "friendly and constructive", but his opposition to the proposals remains.

"Their main concern appears to be that banning these displays will prevent young people from starting to smoke in the first place. Figures show that those numbers are falling anyway, but they clearly believe it is not happening fast enough.

"We don't accept that displays of cigarettes encourage young people to smoke. There are other reasons for that, with the main reason appearing to be peer pressure and family influence."

Drummond says the Scottish Government appears adamant to push ahead with the display proposals, but may be more willing to discuss the issue of a ban on packs of ten.

"Our view is that these packs of ten are more often purchased by people trying to cut down on their intake. If they aren't available they will end up buying a pack of 20, which means they could just be smoking more."

It is anticipated that the legislation will be brought forward during 2009-10.