Retailers fear for business as Tobacco Display Ban passes through the Lords

May 6, 2009 - PRLog -- Peers in the House of Lords have voted to ban the display of tobacco in retail outlets from 2013 in an attempt to prevent youth smoking prevalence.

“Despite all evidence illustrating that banning tobacco displays has no influence on youth smoking, the Lords have been persuaded to accept the social engineering programme of the pro-health lobbies,” claims Andy Davis, chairman of Freedom2Choose.

“In Canada, where displays of tobacco have been banned, there has been no change in youth-smoking prevalence, and in Saskatchewan, the highest prevalence is found where the first display bans took place,” he continues.  

“Similar results occurred in Iceland where youth smokers actually increased by 3.1% after the display ban.  I find it hard to believe that this failed policy has been approved in the UK and understand the fury amongst retailers who now find they face financial burdens during these hard economic times.”

Retailers have made numerous appeals against this plan as 30% of small shops have closed since the display ban in Iceland, along with 12 closing each week in Canada.  The appeals of the professionals, who have hands-on experience at the point of display, have been dismissed.

Patrick Basham, director of The Democracy Institute and a Cato Institute scholar has also expressed his concerns about the events leading up to this vote and states “according to the advocates of a tobacco display ban, seeing cigarettes displayed in shops is one of the major reasons why children in the UK smoke. The trouble is that, as the legislation has progressed through the Lords, it has become increasingly apparent that this is not the case.”

Freedom2Choose are particularly concerned with the much quoted statement from Baroness Thornton: “another important step to a tobacco-free world and one where children are protected and people who want to give it up are supported”.  

“This statement screams of a predetermined agenda, rather than the voice of a listening government,” states Andy Davis.  “Evidence should take priority over social engineering goals, particularly when businesses and livelihoods are being so heavily affected.”

The Bill will now return to the House of Commons for a final vote by MPs.

References:
Peers back ban on tobacco displays - http://uk.news.yahoo.com/21/20090506/tuk-peers-back-ban-o...
Displaying their ignorance on smoking - http://www.spiked-online.com/index.php?/site/article/6613/

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