ACS publishes retailers’ guide to tobacco display ban
The Association of Convenience Stores has published a guide for retailers on the upcoming tobacco display ban.
The new rules, which apply to stores in England with over 280 sq m of retail floor space, come into force on 6 April 2012. Smaller stores will need to comply by 6 April 2015.
The guidance is based on the more detailed advice produced by the Department of Health in collaboration with trading standards, ACS and the British Retail Consortium. It is designed to help retailers with the crucial task of training their staff.
The ACS claims the new rules are imposing a major burden on retailers and causing significant disruption and upheaval. It also points to continuing confusion about the rules that will apply in other parts of the United Kingdom.
ACS chief executive James Lowman said: “At this point it is only possible to produce a guide for retailers in England. We still await confirmation of the final regulations and implementation dates in Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland.
He added: “Inconsistency and lack of clarity in the application of these rules in the devolved administrations is a significant frustration that multiplies the regulatory burden that these new rules impose on businesses.
“Governments continue to fail in their commitment to reduce the burden of red tape on businesses like ours.”
The guide can be found online at www.acs.org.uk/tobaccodisplayban
