Tobacco firms in Scotland say ban on tobacco display would be counter-productive

The ban on tobacco displays proposed by the Scottish government was uncalled for and would prove counter-productive, cigarette firms in Scotland said on Monday.

Christopher Ogden, chief executive of the Tobacco Manufacturers' Association, said the display ban could be exploited by organised crime.

Ogden said the last thing needed in the midst of the recession was further regulation that would facilitate illicit trade in tobacco products and adversely impact thousands of small retailers and the communities they serve.

The government's Tobacco and Primary Medical Services (Scotland) Bill seeks to curb the sale of cigarettes and tobacco to youngsters.

If the bill were to come into force as law, the legislation would unleash a slew or restrictions, including ban on display of cigarettes and other tobacco products, registration systems for tobacco retailers and ban on cigarette vending machines.

Ogden said the serious unintended consequences of the proposal have been ignored by the Scottish Health and Sport Committee.