29/09/2009

Hawick cigarette retailers reassured following MSP visit

Owners of the Spar in Dickson Street Hawick have been reassured over legal changes to the display of cigarettes following a visit from SNP MSP Christine Grahame. George and Kathryn McCusker had invited Ms Grahame to their shop to raise concerns they have over recent legislation that will prohibit the displaying of cigarettes in retail premises. Ms Grahame who chairs the Health and Sport Committee at the Scottish Parliament that is overseeing the new changes said:

“The McCuskers had legitimate concerns that the changes would place an additional financial burden on them at a time when the economy is struggling. They have practical challenges to overcome as a result of the changes that are being introduced.

“However I was able to reassure them that there is provision within the legislation that will give them time to overcome these. Small businesses like the one owned by Mr and Mrs McCusker have until 2014 to make the changes and insure cigarettes are not displayed openly. I discussed with them some of the different solutions they could adopt to conform, in due course, to the change in legislation.

”They also highlighted that a major problem they faced was with individuals trying to purchase cigarettes for people who are underage. I know this is an area the Scottish Government is also looking at with a view to criminalising those who attempt to illegally purchase cigarettes for someone below 18. That would bring the legislation inline with that which applied to the purchase of alcohol.”

SNP It’s time.....