Oral Evidence Continues On The Tobacco And Primary Medical Services Bill, Scotland

Main Category: Smoking / Quit Smoking
Article Date: 21 May 2009 - 3:00 PDT

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Oral evidence to the Scottish Parliament's Health and Sport Committee on the Tobacco and Primary Medical Services (Scotland) Bill has now begun. This Bill proposes to ban the use of tobacco vending machines and to ban the display of tobacco products.

Rod Bullough, due to give evidence on 20 May on behalf of the vending machine industry states, "We have put forward the potential number of people and businesses that will be affected by this proposed ban. These people hadn't been taken into consideration; it was as if they didn't exist. We are hoping that they will take heed of these figures and give consideration to the 14 companies based in Scotland."

There are 14 independent and one national vending machine operator in Scotland employing over 40 staff, and over 3,500 machines. A ban on vending machine sales of tobacco will destroy these companies and livelihoods.

Initial debate by the Scottish Government Bill team revealed irregularities in how the Bill had been handled. Mary Cuthbert, head of the tobacco control team, had to issue a correction on the number employed by the vending machine industry, and was also questioned on how this law could be upheld at sea since the government had no jurisdiction outside 12 miles of the coast.

Ross Finnie MSP pointed out that the policy proposals treat tobacco as more dangerous than alcohol, since it must be hidden from potential customers. Under these circumstances, he asked why the police had not been involved right from the start of consultations. Given the radical change in the government's treatment of tobacco he would not accept the answer that 'it is trading standards officers who implement tobacco sales law'. This line of questioning draws attention to the enormity of the proposals, and the issues for agencies that must implement them.

Eddie Douthwaite of Freedom To Choose (Scotland) is surprised that he has not been invited to give evidence along with other respondents to the consultation.

"We are the only independent voice, representing the general public," he states. "We have previously petitioned the government as these consultations are unworthy of the Scottish parliament. They should be based on accurate information and solid, scientific data and these consultations are not."

The Tobacco Retailers' Association will also be providing evidence on the same day and Freedom To Choose (Scotland) are fully aware of their concerns.

"In Canada, where displays of tobacco have been banned, there has been no change in youth-smoking prevalence, and in Saskatchewan, the highest prevalence is found where the first display bans took place," Eddie Douthwaite continues.

"Similar results occurred in Iceland where youth smokers actually increased by 3.1% after the display ban. I find it hard to believe that this failed policy is being considered in Scotland and understand the fury amongst retailers who now find they face financial burdens during these hard economic times."

Source
Scottish Parliament

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