Tobacco ad ban ‘threatens’ corner stores

Convenience stores owners say they would be forced into major structural and financial changes if a proposed ban on tobacco advertising in shops goes ahead.

Tobacco ad ban ‘threatens’ corner storesConvenience stores owners say they would be forced into major structural and financial changes if a proposed ban on tobacco advertising in shops goes ahead.The New South Wales government wants a complete ban on cigarette advertising in stores, which would lead to all tobacco products being removed from view.Peter Jowett from the Australasian Association of Convenience Stores says the announcement has come as a surprise.He says tobacco products represent about 30 per cent of sales for most stores and the logistics of the suggested ban would be difficult to implement.”Where they would put them would be an issue, if they can’t put them around the counter they’d have to employ more staff if they want to continue to sell,” he said.”There’s not enough storage unless you put it up behind the counter where most of them are, up on the wall.”(Source: ABC Health News, Feb 2004)