LONDON – A survey by the Association of Convenience Stores  (ACS) of more than 1,200 independent retailers across the United Kingdom reveals that 36% of stores in the sample had been visited by trading standards since the implementation of the nation’s tobacco display ban, with no issues raised about compliance. Nearly 60% of stores reported that while they hadn’t had a visit, they had no concerns about compliance issues.

ACS Chief Executive James Lowman said: “When the tobacco display ban regulations were announced, we produced easy to follow guidance which was adopted by a number of companies, along with trading standards and the Department of Health. We are delighted that just a few months after implementation, over 90% of retailers have no concerns about the operation of the display ban in their store.

“During the implementation phase of the ban in the spring, we received hundreds of calls from retailers looking for advice on the display ban — the majority of which were resolved with our core guidance. However, there were a number of questions about the nuances of the regulations which we have produced assured recommendations on as part of our primary authority partnership with Surrey County Council, providing another benefit for retailers signed up to the scheme,” Lowman said.