ACS launches menthol cigarette ban guidance

The Association of Convenience Stores (ACS) has launched a guidance for retailers on the upcoming ban on the sale of menthol cigarettes as part of its Assured Advice scheme.

The ban, which follows from an EU directive, will take effect from 20 May 2020. Brexit would not impact the ban as the directive is adopted in the UK law.

ACS said one in four independent retailers are currently not aware of the ban, according to its latest Voice of Local Shops survey.

“It is vital that retailers understand what their responsibilities are in terms of implementing the ban in store, selling through existing stock and communicating the information to customers,” said James Lowman, chief executive of the ACS.

There won’t be any transition period after 20 May for retailers to sell any remaining stock.

The ban also applies to capsule, click on, click & roll, crushball or dual menthol cigarettes, but not to heated tobacco products or e-cigarette products.

ACS has also created a poster for retailers to display in-store to help communicate the menthol ban to customers.