THE GUARDIAN: Tobacco will be kept out of sight as ban aimed at discouraging young people from smoking comes into force
Packets of cigarettes will disappear from the shelves of supermarkets in England on Friday and must stay hidden in closed cupboards, out of sight and – the government and campaigners hope – out of mind.
New legislation, aimed at reducing the temptation to smoke for children and young people, will require all large shops and supermarkets to scrap displays at the point of sale. Campaigners argue that these have become more visual, colourful and attractive as bans on other forms of advertising have closed down marketing opportunities for tobacco companies.
Cancer Research UK, Action on Smoking and Health (ASH) and others also say that displaying cigarettes alongside sweets normalises tobacco in the minds of children, making appear harmless and available.
The government agrees. Ministers say that removing tobacco from sight will help discourage young people from taking up smoking.
Newsagents and small stores can display cigarettes until 2015, giving them time to refit shelves and cabinets.
The ban has become a reality in the face of stiff opposition by Big Tobacco, which until December appeared intent on a legal challenge. Imperial Tobacco, Japan Tobacco, British American Tobacco and Philip Morris argued that the ban was disproportionate, breached EC competition law and would encourage tobacco smuggling. But they dropped the case in January, saying that by the time it was heard the ban would be in place.
Hard lobbying has also come from corner shops, small stores and newsagents who say tobacco sales are crucial to their business. » | Sarah Boseley, health editor | Thursday, April 05, 2012
