ACS (the Association of Convenience Stores) is reminding
retailers about the upcoming ban on the sale of menthol
cigarettes which comes into force in one week, despite the
ongoing situation with the coronavirus outbreak.
Retailers are still allowed to sell cigarettes described as
‘green’ or with similar names to a previous menthol product as
long as the cigarettes themselves do not contain any menthol. If
there is any confusion about which cigarettes products may or may
not contain menthol, retailers should ask their tobacco supplier.
Retailers should bear in mind that there may be some confusion
amongst customers if they request ‘green’ cigarettes and expect a
menthol product. To minimise this confusion, retailers can make
customers aware of the menthol cigarettes ban by displaying ACS’
Assured poster or highlighting
to customers verbally. Once the ban is in effect, if there are
any requests for ‘green’ cigarette products, retailers should
clarify that the product no longer contains menthol.
ACS chief executive James Lowman said: “It is disappointing
that despite our urging, the government has not extended the 20th
May deadline. Coronavirus restrictions mean that area managers,
wholesale support teams and manufacturer representatives are not
on the road and in stores helping retailers to comply, including
removing product from stores.
“Retailers will have to do their best to sell through existing
stock ahead of the 20th May deadline, and we have developed
guidance and a poster to communicate with customers about these
changes.”
ACS has developed guidance for retailers
with information on products included in the ban, when it will be
introduced, penalties for non-compliance and how to communicate
the ban with customers.
For more information, including FAQs about the ban, please
visit https://www.acs.org.uk/advice/menthol-ban
Listen to the ACS team discussing the menthol ban
here: https://audioboom.com/posts/7563338-menthol-ban-revisited
