Local newsagents could be put out of business by Government ban

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Tue 13th Oct 2009

Local newsagents and independent retailers could be put out of business thanks to Government plans to ban the display of cigarettes.

The Department of Health plans to force shopkeepers to hide tobacco products under the counter in a bid to discourage young people from taking up smoking. The proposals received approval from MPs in the House of Commons yesterday.

Mike Bell, the Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Candidate for Weston-super-Mare, is against the plan. He said: "Local small retailers have told me that they are worried about the impact this ban will have on their businesses.

"They are concerned about the cost of hiding away cigarettes under the counter - current displays are often funded by the tobacco companies. But more seriously, they believe that the display ban will drive customers to the big supermarkets.

"Retailers support the Government's efforts to reduce smoking and the harmful effects of smoking, but this outright ban on the display of tobacco is a step too far. There is no evidence from other countries that this ban is effective in reducing the take up of smoking.

"The Government needs to tackle tobacco smuggling and make the buying of tobacco for a minor illegal, just as it is for alcohol. This ban on the display of a legal product is just the nanny state gone mad."

Liberal Democrat MPs opposed the ban in the House of Commons last night.