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Business News: Retail Giants Caught Displaying Controversial Tobacco Promotions
Sainsbury's and Morrisons, leading UK supermarket chains, have come under scrutiny for featuring advertisements for tobacco products within their stores, a practice that Trading Standards claims violates existing laws.
The disputed promotions involve video displays and posters that showcase devices designed to deliver nicotine by heating tobacco instead of burning it. These heated tobacco products are marketed as a potential alternative to traditional cigarettes.
While both retailers maintain that the laws prohibiting tobacco advertising do not extend to these heated tobacco devices, the Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI) asserts that such promotions are “prohibited” under the 2002 legislation.
“It's taking the mick, is my view,” remarked Kate Pike, CTSI's lead officer for tobacco and vaping, highlighting the contentious nature of the issue.
Experts like Prof. Lion Shahab from University College London assert that while heated tobacco may be less harmful than combustible cigarettes due to the absence of combustion, it is likely more detrimental than e-cigarettes and potentially less effective in helping smokers quit long-term.
The tobacco industry, however, views heated tobacco as a new revenue stream to offset declining cigarette sales. Companies like Philip Morris International (PMI) and Japan Tobacco International (JTI) defend the legality of in-store promotions, citing technicalities in the definition of “tobacco products” under the 2002 law.
“We maintain our view that communications regarding the iQos device at appropriate points of sale is lawful,” stated a PMI spokesperson, while JTI argues that heated tobacco products do not produce smoke and thus fall outside the scope of the legislation.
Anti-smoking advocates like Hazel Cheeseman, CEO of Action on Smoking and Health, have condemned the supermarkets' actions as “disgraceful behaviour,” expressing concerns about the potential influence on children and young people.
The UK government remains tight-lipped on the issue, stating that the forthcoming Tobacco and Vapes Bill is expected to enhance existing legislation, including restrictions on advertising, in pursuit of a smoke-free nation.
As the debate rages on, Tesco, the country's largest supermarket chain, has taken a firm stance by refraining from running any tobacco ads, while Asda claims to comply with current regulations as they understand them.
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