Sainsbury's supermarkets end cigarette sales

[lastlid]

"Sainsbury's has confirmed it is to remove tobacco from sale at a further six supermarkets in Scotland.

It said the move is in response to the Scottish government's health levy, a supplementary charge on business rates paid by large stores selling cigarettes and alcohol.

Sainsbury's already operates three supermarkets and one convenience store in Scotland which do not sell tobacco.

The extension of the policy will come into force on Monday 12 November.

The stores covered by the change are at Drumchapel, Garthdee, Hamilton, Saltcoats, Livingston and Leven.

The health levy applies to outlets with a rateable value of more than £300,000.

About 240 of the largest stores in Scotland are thought to be affected.

Ministers estimated that it would raise £110m during its first four years of operation.

A report by the Centre for Economics and Business Research (CEBR), commissioned by Asda, claimed that profits from Scottish supermarkets could be reduced by 10% following the introduction of the levy.

A spokeswoman for the Scottish government 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.""


http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotlan...iness-20279771

[Michael Parnham]

Fantastic! Hopefully save a few more lives.

[andy222]

Fantastic! Hopefully save a few more lives.

I agree Michael but they will live longer and we will have to pay more tax to keep them.

[grahamw48]

Just ban cigs then we can find other (healthier) things to spend our money on.

[lordna]

If Sainsbury were really concerned they would remove cigarrette sales from ALL their stores....all they are interested in is not paying the levy in Scotland.

[sars_notd_virus]

Sainsbury's has confirmed it is to remove tobacco from sale at a further six supermarkets in Scotland.

It said the move is in response to the Scottish government's health levy, a supplementary charge on business rates paid by large stores selling cigarettes and alcohol.

Sainsbury's already operates three supermarkets and one convenience store in Scotland which do not sell tobacco.

I dont think they are earning much of tobacco sales thats why they end it in Scotland....Ive never read anything from Sainsburys saying'''we are supporting health and we will not sell tobacco in ALL our shops''

[lastlid]

Either way, it is a good move.

[Arthur Little]

Sainsbury has finally been given the green light to erect a 65,000 sq ft superstore on a site formerly occupied by Perth Mart ... following lengthy negotiations with the local Council ... albeit when building works will commence, is anybody's guess!

[bigmarco]

I hope if they're that worried about health in Scotland they'll stop all supermarkets selling 2 litre bottles of cider for less than £1.50 a bottle.

[lastlid]

I hope if they're that worried about health in Scotland they'll stop all supermarkets selling 2 litre bottles of cider for less than £1.50 a bottle.

And a ban on the sale of deep fried mars bars.

[Arthur Little]

And a ban on the sale of deep fried mars bars.

... well I never ... ... deep fried Mars Bars ...

[Ako Si Jamie]

There's only one thing these supermarkets care about it and it isn't Jock McSporrans health. Proof is in the far aisle where the numerous bottles of Buckfast and the cases of Tennants Super are.

Waitrose are a bunch of too. They've made a new advert specifically making the point that the ad is basic so the money saved can be given to charity. But they're only giving to charity to avoid shelling out a chunk of tax and making themselves look like the good guys in the process.

[fred]

Now the poor buggers need to drive to a store further away ,therefore using more fuel and adding more CO2 into the atmosphere..
So not only can a smoker not smoke in his local boozer..He cant pop into his local supermarket after work to buy his smokes and drink and enjoy them in the privacy of his own home anymore!!!
Country is going nuts!!