Tobacco displays banned in large stores

RETAILERS expressed disappointment as the Government introduced a ban on the display of tobacco in large shops in England.

The Tobacco Retailers Alliance represents 26,000 independent shopkeepers across the UK, most of whom will be affected by the ban when it is introduced in smaller shops (280 sq m or less) in 2015.

It has been argued that the three year "grace period" between the introduction of a ban in large and small shops, will be a boon for the smaller retailers.

But many traders are worried the ban will have an impact on trade. The Government introduced the ban in an attempt to lower youth smoking rates.