SNP MSP condemns tobacco lobby tactics

SNP MSP Kenneth Gibson has condemned the lobbying actions of tobacco manufacturers after it emerged a campaign by shopkeepers against proposals to stop the display of cigarettes in store is being bank rolled by the cigarette companies.

MSPs have been receiving letters from "Responsible Retailers" urging them to support the "Save our Shops" campaign claiming that removing cigarettes from display will lead to the closure of small independent shops.

Responsible Retailers is actually part of the Tobacco Retailers Alliance which is funded by the Tobacco Manufacturers Association, a fact that is not explained on the letters and leaflets sent to MSPs.

The TMA’s membership comprises British American Tobacco UK Ltd, Gallaher Ltd and Imperial Tobacco Ltd who between them are responsible for cigarette brands including Dunhill, Kent, Lucky Strike, Pall Mall, Benson and Hedges, Silk Cut, Lambert and Butler, Richmond, Superkings, Embassy, Regal.

"Responsible Retailers" had previously targeted MPs.

Kenneth Gibson, who first raised the idea of a smoking ban and recently secured Scottish Government support for a ban on cigarette vending machines said:

"These tactics are the lowest of the low.

"To conceal the real identity of those campaigning against essential health moves is a despicable tactic.

"The tobacco industry has a particularly bad reputation for its behaviour over the years – this will do nothing to enhance it.

"I am sure some small shops do have genuine concerns but for the tobacco industry to exploit the reputation of independent retailers and the support in Scotland for small businesses to further their aims is an absolute disgrace.

"Last year we saw the alcohol and supermarket industry hiding behind students in their attempts to derail Government moves to tackle Scotland's problematic relationship with alcohol – now we see big tobacco using the same dirty tricks and tactics.

"I understand Frank MacAveety hosted a reception in the Scottish Parliament on behalf of "Responsible Retailers". As an MSP, he should have made it clear that the Tobacco Manufacturers Association was behind this event.

"I hope all MSPs when receiving letters from the "responsible retailers campaign" make clear that they will not be conned by big tobacco.

"Real shopkeepers with real concerns have every right to contact their MSP but MSPs should make sure they are clear about the source of this particular campaign."

Notes

1. A Letter from Responsible Retailers and the accompanying leaflet is attached.
2. http://www.tobaccoretailersalliance.org.uk/index.html
3. http://www.the-tma.org.uk/

Supported by: Dr Alasdair Allan, Bashir Ahmad, Christina McKelvie, Dr Bill Wilson, Dr Ian McKee, Robin Harper, Jamie Hepburn, Gil Paterson, Stuart McMillan, Hugh Henry, Tom McCabe, Dr Richard Simpson, Robert Brown, Brian Adam, Rt Hon George Foulkes, Rob Gibson, Shirley-Anne Somerville, Bill Kidd, Karen Whitefield, Patrick Harvie, Trish Godman, Aileen Campbell, Dave Thompson