By Steve Bargeton, political editor

CIGARETTES COULD be forced “under the counter” as part of radical plans to restrict tobacco sales that were unveiled yesterday.

It is two years since Scotland led the UK in banning smoking in public places, and six months since the legal age for buying cigarettes was raised to 18.

But yesterday the Scottish Government signalled their intention to further crack down on smoking with new laws in place by 2010.

Unveiling a new smoking prevention action plan—Scotland’s Future Is Smoke-Free—public Health Minister Shona Robison said ministers intended to do everything in their power to “denormalise” smoking within society, and particularly to discourage young people.

A key element will be banning displays of cigarettes in shops—effectively meaning that they will have to be sold under the counter.

The move was condemned by retailers, with the Scottish Grocers’ Federation warning of “significant and damaging” cost to the convenience store sector.

In a statement to MSPs yesterday Ms Robison said the Government was expecting resistance from retailers.

“Giving cigarettes pride of place in shops—a much sought after position in product placement terms—sits uncomfortably with our ambition to create a climate in which everything possible is done to dissuade people, particularly children and young people, from smoking,” said the Dundee East MSP.

“I know sections of the retail sector will be concerned about the restrictions on displays because of fears they will impact adversely on businesses.

“However, point of sale display is clearly being used as a promotional tool.

“The protection of children and young people from the impact of tobacco must be paramount and there are instances, and this is one, when the benefits to the public health of the nation must take precedence.”

Another radical proposal under consideration is banning packs of 10 cigarettes.

“As part of the legislative review we will look at the relationship between packs of 10 cigarettes and tobacco consumption,” said the minister.

Tobacco sales in Scotland are covered by an Act dating back to 1937, which was last subject to review in 1991.

The Government plan more rigorous enforcement measures including licensing for tobacco retailers, with cautions and fixed penalty notices for breaches of the law.

The latest clampdown on smoking was widely welcomed by the other parties at Holyrood but condemned by retailers.

The Scottish Grocers’ Federation (SGF) warned that small convenience stores would be damaged by the proposals.

“The display of tobacco products is essential to enable adult consumers to make an informed choice based on availability, price and brand from the wide range of tobacco products on the market,” said chief executive John Drummond.

“The cost to modify a shop in Canada in order to meet the proposed standards was between £1000 and £2000.

“Convenience store retailers in Scotland can expect to pay a similar amount to modify their shops, which does not take into consideration the loss of trade during a changeover.

“Results from countries which have implemented a display ban demonstrate that the benefits of a ban in reducing smoking rates among young people are not proven.

“In Iceland where displays were banned in 2001 youth smoking remains at the same levels and in parts of Canada youth smoking even increased following display bans resulting in the ban being overturned after 18 months.”

Mr Drummond added, “SGF members are concerned that concealing tobacco products under the counter could encourage some smokers, who do not see tobacco products on display in legitimate stores, to buy from rogue traders who are prepared to sell illicit products.”

The Federation of Small Businesses Scotland also criticised the Government for burdening the independent retailer.

“Forcing thousands of small independent shops to redesign their premises does not seem like the actions of Government committed to sustainable economic growth,” said policy convener Andy Willox.

“Many shops are designed around a secure cigarette counter to ensure that cigarettes cannot get into the hands of children and those under the age of 18.

“Forcing these businesses to spend thousands of pounds redesigning their shops could well be the end of the corner shop that often plays such a vital role in our communities.

“The question has to be asked what is next—under-the-counter sausages and top-shelf sweets?”

Forest, the right to choose tobacco organisation, said the measures would have no effect on young people smoking.

“There is little evidence to suggest that point of sale bans do anything to reduce youth smoking rates,” said their Scottish spokesman Neil Rafferty.

“If a teenager can afford two packs of 10 in the space of a week they can afford one pack of 20. You may as well ban small bars of chocolate.

“Today’s measures will simply make smoking seem even more attractive to teenagers.

“We all want to tackle youth smoking, but the best way to do that is through education and proper enforcement of the legal age limit.

“It is yet another attack on freedom of choice and it will not be long before the same restrictions are applied to food and alcohol.”

Sheila Duffy, chief executive of ASH Scotland, said, “We know young people are heavily influenced by marketing and tend to experiment with the most visible brands.

“Putting cigarettes out of sight will support smokers who are trying to quit, and reduce the tobacco industry’s influence on children.”

Dr Andrew Buist, a member of the BMA’s Scottish Council, said, “Tackling children’s addiction to tobacco is rightly a top priority for this government.

“A lifetime addicted to tobacco is a death sentence. Every day 35 Scots die because of smoking-related illnesses, but each day 41 new smokers are recruited.”

The Scottish Retail Consortium (SRC), which represents major retailers and supermarkets as well as smaller businesses, responded to Ms Robison’s statement by saying the plans would “do little to reduce smoking but will pile on costs for retailers and inconvenience to customers.”

SRC director Fiona Moriarty said, “No one starts smoking because they see cigarettes behind a shop counter and no one will give up because they don’t see them on display.”