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2nd June 2008

MSP Visits Banchory Retailer to Discuss New Laws

North East MSP Alex Johnstone spent some time visiting Mr Grant Hay of the Keystore in Banchory today to discuss the changes which could be necessary if the government goes ahead with a proposed ban on displaying cigarettes and tobacco in stores.

Commenting after the visit, Mr Johnstone said, "I was extremely interested to hear first hand what the ban would mean for retailers. It seems to me that the amount of proposed legislation that will affect independent store owners is becoming increasingly onerous, and I am also concerned that government appears to be placing much of the blame for underage smoking and drinking unfairly at the feet of licensed grocers."

"My discussion with Grant Hay has confirmed figures issued by the Scottish Grocers Federation suggesting that it will cost anywhere between £1000 and £10000 to comply with this latest tobacco legislation, and this cost will hit the small grocer hardest, especially as tobacco sales can in some cases account for up to a third of a retailers turnover."

"With our current government so keen to compare Scotland to other small European countries, they should note that when similar legislation was introduced in Iceland, the number of convenience stores fell by 30%.  I believe government should take this into account before going down the road of demonising retailers with further punitive legislation."

"I am also concerned about the security implications of laws requiring tobacco and cigarettes to be kept under the counter. For smaller shops with only a single person at the till, the simple act of reaching below the counter could provide the opportunity for shoplifting or more serious offences to occur."

"I believe that any changes in the law must also be accompanied by greater efforts to clamp down on black market tobacco and cigarettes which appear to be much more easily accessed by those under the age of 18. This is already an enormous problem in areas nearer the channel ports but will inevitably be a growth industry as we force the legitimate trade in tobacco products into obscurity."

In conclusion, Mr Johnstone said, "My meeting with Grant Hay today and with other retailers, large and small, tells me that they are ready to work with government for long term benefits but this can best be achieved by a partnership of equals."