Ash backlash after nine out of 10 reject tobacco display ban

• Picture: PA

Figures seen by The Scotsman show almost 90 per cent of respondents who replied to a Scottish Government consultation request oppose the measure.

The most anger appears to have been generated among shopkeepers who believe their businesses are going to be hindered by the proposal.

They argue that people coming for cigarettes generates other business, while the costs of redesigning their shops will be on average 1,400 each.

Out of the 305 respondents to the Scottish Government consultation, 269 - 88.2 per cent - opposed the measure with support mostly coming from NHS trusts and anti-smoking charities.

The opposition compares to 84 per cent support for the same measure in England, although 75 per cent of respondents to that consultation came from Department of Health funded bodies.

The measure, which has been passed with cross-party support at Holyrood, is meant to be the next stage in tackling smoking in Scotland following from the high-profile smoking ban in public buildings and offices. The ban is set to be introduced in supermarkets next year and small shops in 2013.

The medical lobby has argued strongly that displays in shops act as a form of advertising which entices children into smoking.

Critics of the proposed ban have argued that more needs to be done to stop rogue traders from selling cigarettes to underage smokers.

John Drummond, chief executive of the Scottish Grocers' Federation, which represents many of Scotland's small shops said: "We have tried to engage constructively. But at times it appears the Scottish Government has not listened to our concerns. They have under-estimated the costs involved and the impact it will have on businesses."

He added grocers are particularly angry that Holyrood proposes a new maximum size for a display area of 120sq cm, much smaller than the 7,500sq cm imposed in England and Wales.

The tobacco industry has raised concerns about the likelihood of smuggling increasing as a result of the ban. They say that in Ireland, where there is a display ban, an estimated one in three packets of cigarettes is now smuggled and Dumfries and Galloway has already become a major centre for smuggling into the UK of tobacco products.

Daniel Torras, Managing Director of tobacco giant JTI UK, said: "Hiding cigarette packs under the counter could further increase the sale of illegal tobacco in Scotland and will burden small retailers with huge expense."

But last night the Scottish Government made it clear that the consultation was meant to be about how the regulations could be brought in.

Sources claimed that a postcard campaign meant it had been "hijacked" by retailers which had skewed the result.

Public health minister Shona Robison said: "The ban on cigarette displays, coupled with a ban on the sale of cigarettes from vending machines, is designed to make cigarettes less attractive and less accessible to children."

What they say

Against:

Pete Cheema, former president of the Scottish Grocers' Federation, and shop proprietor: "The proposals will lead to very high start up costs for retailers."

New Mills licensed grocer: "Why are shopkeepers always in the firing line?"

Drumore Post Office: "The display of tobacco in shops does not cause youth smoking so any restrictions placed on my business are disproportionate."

Federation of Small Businesses: "The FSB is concerned that small independent retailers whose primary product is tobacco could be disadvantaged by the regulations."

For:

The Royal Environmental Health Institute of Scotland: "It is recognised that specialist retailers generally do not appeal to or attract young people, however, it is important that such premises do not become loopholes that undermine the spirit of the primary legislation."

ASH Scotland: "There is evidence the display of tobacco products is associated with recruitment to smoking."