Further tobacco sales restrictions ‘overwhelmingly’ backed by local shops

Local shops overwhelmingly support further restrictions on tobacco sales, according to a survey by Action on Smoking and Health (ASH).

The poll of nearly 1,000 independent newsagents and convenience stores also suggested tobacco companies are losing the support of tobacco retailers.

A similar survey by ASH in 2016 found 46% of retailers thought tobacco companies “had their interests at heart”, but the latest research shows this has fallen to 33%. The loss of retailer trust is despite continued investment in store visits.

While 46% of stores reported monthly tobacco rep visits in 2016, this has risen to 49% in 2022, while 51% of stores still use a gantry paid for by a tobacco company.

Illicit cigarette use increases for the first time in 11 years

The survey asked stores about many of the recommendations in the government’s Khan Review, published this summer, aimed at dropping smoking rates to 5% by 2030.

ASH’s research found 54% of stores were in favour of raising the age limit to 21 (27% against) and 81% in favour of mandatory tobacco licensing (9% against). Other restrictions surveyed found 70% in favour of restricting ‘child-friendly’ e-cigarette packaging (14% against), and 83% in favour of mandatory age checking on all under-25s (5% against).

ASH said lower support for the age increase was “not surprising”. Chief executive Deborah Arnott told Better Retailing: “It’s a measure that potentially will have a significant impact on their businesses, but there’s still majority support.”

Khan Review calls for mandatory tobacco licences and rise in minimum age of sale

On mandatory licensing of tobacco sellers, Arnott said it would expand track-and-trace and help legitimate retailers by making it easier for trading standards to take action against illicit tobacco and underage sellers.

Asked whether it could become a platform for location-based restrictions, such as around schools, the chief executive responded: “It’s certainly not something we are pursuing.”

A majority of stores said the display ban, menthol ban and plain packs had no effect on their sales, however, the loss of many lines appears to have an effect on tobacco stock holdings. In 2016, 72% had “too much cash tied up in tobacco stock”, falling to 41% today.

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