9th Dec 2008 14:57
9 December 2008
Imperial Tobacco Group PLC Response to UK Government proposals to ban the display of tobacco products
Imperial Tobacco Group today reiterated its opposition to proposals to ban the display of tobacco products at the point of sale in shops.
Gareth Davis, Chief Executive said: "We do not want children to smoke and support practical measures to reduce youth smoking. However, we have not seen any credible evidence to support the claim that young people start smoking or adult smokers continue to smoke as a result of the display of tobacco products.
"We will continue to strongly oppose proposals to restrict or prohibit the display of tobacco products, which would be anti-competitive and further fuel the illicit trade in tobacco products.
"Legislation must meet the principles of good regulation by being proportionate, supported by compelling evidence and fit for purpose.
"The majority of responses to the consultation were pre-written postcards or email campaigns and it would be wrong of the Government to give equal consideration to this type of response and the detailed submissions made by the tobacco industry and retailers.
"The Government should also recognise that there is considerable cross-party support for retailers, who have real concerns about the huge work and cost burden that display bans would create for them."
ENQUIRIES
Imperial Tobacco
Alex Parsons (Head of Corporate Communications)
+44 (0)117 933 7241
Simon Evans (Group Press Officer)
+44 (0)117 933 7375
Nicola Tate (Investor Relations Manager) +44 (0) 117 933 7082
Copies of our announcements are available on our website: www.imperial-tobacco.com
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