LONDON – The Association of Convenience Stores (ACS) in the United Kingdom continues to voice its opposition to proposals that would introduce a tobacco register for retailers.

ACS chief executive James Lowman said: “Compliance with tobacco regulations in the convenience sector is already very good, as shown by the recent successful implementation of the tobacco display ban. The current Scottish Tobacco Retail Register has seen very few retailers removed from the list as a result of non-compliance with tobacco, therefore we remain sceptical of its effectiveness.”

The Public Health Bill (Wales) seeks to introduce a register for retailers that sell tobacco. Retailers could be charged £30 to register and an additional £10 per new store to go on the Tobacco Retailer Register. The goal is to support local authorities in better guiding retailers and to prevent underage sales.

Other proposals in the bill include placing restrictions on the use of tobacco and nicotine inhaling devices (NIDs) such as electronic cigarettes in enclosed and substantially enclosed public and work places; and giving Welsh ministers a regulation-making power to extend the restrictions to certain open spaces.

ACS submitted evidence to the Health and Select Committee earlier this year.