Scottish government urged to call a halt on standardised tobacco packaging
Newsagents have expressed their dismay at plans by the Scottish government to press ahead with proposals for the launch of standardised tobacco packaging, despite the UK government shelving its proposals.
The National Federation of Retail Newsagents’ Scottish president Des Donnelly said: “There is no credible evidence yet that putting tobacco in plain packs will reduce levels of youth smoking. Instead sales of smuggled and counterfeit tobacco products are likely to soar, providing organised crime with a further foothold in our communities and making illegal tobacco even more accessible to young people – the very people the government is so keen to protect.
“We are therefore disappointed that the Scottish Government is pushing ahead with these proposals, particularly when the UK government has abandoned plans until further evidence of its effect in Australia is available.”
Donnelly added: “With a display ban on the horizon when tobacco products will be hidden from view, it seems nonsensical to go one step further and put them in plain packs. The NFRN would strongly urge the Scottish government to reconsider its actions.”
