Packaging plan threatens shops, jobs

Hundreds of shops would be forced to close and more than 3,000 jobs would be lost if the Scottish government were to go ahead with its plans to introduce standardized packaging for cigarettes, according to a story by Eddie Barnes for The Scotsman quoting new research.

A paper by the Centre for Economics and Business Research (CEBR), commissioned by Philip Morris, says the plans would deal a “body blow” to high streets.

“Our findings show that the potential impact of this plain packaging policy could be traumatic for the high street,” Oliver Hogan, CEBR head of microeconomics, was quoted as saying.

“In Scotland alone, CEBR would expect the loss of some £30 million in tobacco and nontobacco revenues to small independent retailers and the loss of over 3,200 jobs and up to 700 shops.”

“The evidence supports our conclusion that tobacco customers will flock to illegal street vendors, buy bulk from abroad and make purchases from larger stores.

“Thousands will lack the patience to queue for the till in a local shop as a small staff tries to find the right cigarettes among the plain packaging,” he said.