Retailers have claimed they have been stuck with non-compliant menthol tobacco due to Philip Morris (PMI) and British American Tobacco (BAT) ignoring requests to buy back or swap out stock.

Bay Bashir, of Go Local Extra Belle Vue Convenience in Middlesbrough, told Better Retailing his PMI rep refused to take non-compliant stock before the 12 July deadline for the manufacturer’s buy-back scheme, with no explanation given.

Tobacco firms in menthol ban buy-back promise

Shahid Ali, of Nisa Local Mintlaw in Aberdeenshire, said he has had no contact from PMI about its menthol buy-back scheme.

Natalie Lightfoot, of Londis Solo Convenience in Glasgow, added: “We have non-compliant stock and menthol cigarettes to go back to [BAT], but there has been no contact.”

Read more about the menthol ban