June 2009 – Corner shops feeling threatened by tobacco display ban
A survey from ORB commissioned by the Tobacco Retailers Association (TRA) found over three-quarters (77%) of shopkeepers believing that a ban on tobacco displays in their shop could directly threaten the viability of the business.
The survey was carried out and analysed by ORB to measure and track tobacco retailers’ views of and attitudes towards initiatives to control tobacco sales to young people. Other key findings from the survey include:
* Nine in ten retailers (90%) feel the government has not listened to their concerns about the display ban.
* Three in five retailers (58%) are aware proxy purchasing (adults legally buying tobacco for under 18s) in their shops.
* Three-quarters of retailers (76%) are concerned that the display ban would displace trade to the black market.
o Over half believe that the ban would increase retail crime (56%) or displace trade to large multiples (55%).
o Two-thirds (67%) are concerned that the display ban would increase transaction times.
The findings are based on replies to questionnaires distributed to all tobacco retailer members of the TRA. During January and February 2009 1,114 self-completion questionnaires were returned to and analysed by ORB.
The TRA is a coalition of 26,000 independent retailers who all sell tobacco products.
TRA MUQ Final website.doc
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