Smaller retailers may be 'unfairly targeted' if the government's childhood obesity strategy is implemented, the Association of Convenience Stores (ACS) has warned.

The response comes after new proposals by the government to ban confectionery by checkouts and aisle ends were unveiled earlier this month.

ACS chief executive James Lowman said it would be costly for smaller stores to change layouts.

Pratik Sampat, of Premier Fosdicks in Penge, London, agreed: “I don’t know where else I would put confectionery.”

Mr Lowman added: "We will continue to engage with the government and will be responding to their consultations on measures set out in the strategy in due course.”

Read more: Confectionery checkout ban puts retailers at risk