TORY Westminster candidate Peter Duncan provoked a political storm when he claimed the pending tobacco display ban will cripple businesses.
He was immediately accused of putting profit before people’s health and scaremongering.
Mr Duncan said the ban, due to come into force in 2011, would have a “devastating impact” on newsagents and corner shops.
He claimed a recent survey carried out across Scotland by the Conservative Party found 96 per cent of small and medium businesses opposed the SNP Scottish Government plans to ban the display of tobacco products in shops.
The candidate also claimed that Canadian research found convenience stores closes at “an alarming date” in the wake of a similar ban.
In a letter to retailers, Mr Duncan said: “I’m astonished that the government are pressing ahead with this ban when the evidence shows that it cripples businesses and does very little to curb smoking. We need a government that are off retailers’ backs and out of their pockets.”
Mr Duncan believes that, along with planned minimum pricing for alcohol, the ban is another nail in the coffin of small businesses.
“It is another unnecessary ban which will not deal with the problem,” he said. “I have written to those who will be affected and have outlined how the conservatives would help small businesses, not punish them.”
However, South of Scotland MSP Alasdair Morgan leapt to the defence of the ban.
“Peter Duncan seems to have taken leave of his senses if he is really supporting tobacco advertising,” he said. “His recent comment on the issue is Tory scaremongering at its worst.
“The intention of the Bill is to ban displays of tobacco in shops in line with the existing bans on advertising on billboards, in magazines and at sporting events.
“No-one intends to stop shopkeepers from selling tobacco or charge them more for the privilege than the Treasury already gets from duty in tobacco.
“It is the intention of the Bill, however, to remove from sight the attractive rows of tobacco products that children find interesting and appealing.
“Unfortunately, thanks to the aggressive techniques of tobacco lobbyists, I am aware that many shopkeepers are concerned about the effects this legislation will have on their business.
“I feel it is important that they also know that so many of their customers support this legislation, and claims that they will suffer are totally unfounded. The footfall trade they rely on won’t be affected, since existing tobacco displays aren’t visible from outside the shop.
“With smoking rates in decline in this country, this could be a great opportunity for retailers to prepare for a much healthier future.
“Peter Duncan should perhaps be putting people's health first, instead of profit.”
