Retailers have vowed to continue fighting the tobacco display ban, despite a crushing defeat in the House of Lords.
This week the Lords voted 204 to 110 in support of a tobacco display ban in supermarkets from 2011 and in smaller stores from 2013, as the Health Bill reached its second reading. It will have its third reading on Tuesday before passing to the House of Commons.
The Association of Convenience Stores said it would now focus on lobbying MPs on the true cost of the display ban to retailers. Despite the Department of Health claiming gantries could cost as little as £120, the ACS maintains the ban could cost retailers a minimum of £1,850.
"It is disappointing that the cost of the ban has been so inaccurately and confusingly communicated to peers and MPs over recent months," said CEO James Lowman. "It is important in the next phase of debate there is greater clarity about the costs."
Wholesaler Parfetts Cash & Carry said 150 independent retailers served by its depots had written to their MPs, with a further 100 letters expected to be sent next week. The wholesaler had drafted the letters and provided contact details for MPs, said MD Steve Parfett.
Some Lords said letters from retailers had played a key role in their decision, with Lord Palmer revealing he had been "moved to tears by some of them".
But others insisted the ban would not be costly for retailers. "The industry will be more than ready to pay for these displays, because it wants to go on selling its products in these shops," said Lord Faulkner of Worcester.
This week the Lords voted 204 to 110 in support of a tobacco display ban in supermarkets from 2011 and in smaller stores from 2013, as the Health Bill reached its second reading. It will have its third reading on Tuesday before passing to the House of Commons.
The Association of Convenience Stores said it would now focus on lobbying MPs on the true cost of the display ban to retailers. Despite the Department of Health claiming gantries could cost as little as £120, the ACS maintains the ban could cost retailers a minimum of £1,850.
"It is disappointing that the cost of the ban has been so inaccurately and confusingly communicated to peers and MPs over recent months," said CEO James Lowman. "It is important in the next phase of debate there is greater clarity about the costs."
Wholesaler Parfetts Cash & Carry said 150 independent retailers served by its depots had written to their MPs, with a further 100 letters expected to be sent next week. The wholesaler had drafted the letters and provided contact details for MPs, said MD Steve Parfett.
Some Lords said letters from retailers had played a key role in their decision, with Lord Palmer revealing he had been "moved to tears by some of them".
But others insisted the ban would not be costly for retailers. "The industry will be more than ready to pay for these displays, because it wants to go on selling its products in these shops," said Lord Faulkner of Worcester.
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