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rominent Scottish retailers have this week been speaking out against Scottish Government proposals to ban displays of vaping products in the nation’s shops. A consultation, currently underway on tightening rules around the advertising and promotion of vaping products, includes a move to outlaw in-store promotional displays. Scottish Grocers' Federation (SGF) President Dan Brown is among those who fear that any potential new policy will not just hit retailers’ businesses, but also hamper the drive to make the country smoke-free by 2034. Brown, owner of Pinkie Farm convenience store in Musselburgh, East Lothian, is supporting SGF’s stance that any such ban risks setting back the health agenda by essentially hiding a proven route for smokers to quit by switching to a less harmful alternative. He said: “From both business and public health
points of view, restricting vaping produc lutely no sense. These need to be visible retailers can help customers to find th product. The marketing and the displ together to help raise awareness of the “If we are serious about achieving generation then we must recognise the vaping can play.” In addition, former SGF President A leading store owner in Bellshill, North L also urging a rethink. He said: “Retailers are fully comm vaping products in a responsible way. able to offer and display a wide variety that customers can move away from t want to. Customers need to know and what’s available so they can find the pr suits them.
Restricting vaping will mean that Scotland never makes the big leap away from tobacco.” SGF PRESIDENT, DAN BROWN
10 I SLRMAG.CO.UK / ISSUE 97 / WEDNESDAY 23RD MARCH 2022
