Nov 10 2012
Sainsbury’s is to stop selling tobacco in six more supermarkets in response to a Scottish Government levy.
On Monday, the company will stop the sale of tobacco products in stores in Drumchapel, Garthdee, Hamilton, Saltcoats, Livingston and Leven.
This move will extend a trial that was launched in May at three supermarkets and one convenience store.
Sainsbury’s took this action after a new health levy introduced by the Scottish Government in April.
The new business rates apply to large retailers who sell tobacco and alcohol and goes towards tackling the costs of problems associated with these two types of product.
A spokesperson for Sainsbury’s said: “The impact of the Levy, introduced by the Scottish Government, has led us to undertake a review of the sale of tobacco in our Scottish stores.”
The trial had been extended in order for the business to learn more about the effects of removing tobacco from supermarkets in Scotland and gather customer feedback. There is no end date set for the trial.
A Scottish Government spokesperson said: “The public health supplement was introduced in recognition of Scotland’s well-documented health and social problems associated with alcohol and tobacco use.
“This Government is already taking action to reduce to reduce alcohol and tobacco-related harm through legislation to introduce minimum pricing for alcohol and banning tobacco displays.
“The public health supplement will contribute towards the preventative spend measures that are being taken forward jointly with the Scottish Government, Local Authorities, the NHS and the Third Sector.”