Nicholas Soames has expressed his support for traders who have expressed their concerns over the impact of the Government’s proposal to ban displays of tobacco.

Mr Soames said; “I wholly support the shops in their opposition to this proposal and their call on the Government to look at alternative measures to reduce youth smoking, such as cracking down on the black market, support for proof-of-age schemes and making it illegal for adults to purchase tobacco on behalf of under 18s.”

“Smoking in public places is already banned and I strongly believe that we should support people who want to give up smoking. This is particularly true in deprived areas where larger numbers of people smoke. That said I think that this proposal will add another regulatory burden on small businesses and at the end of the day this is a question of choice for adults.”

Mr Soames said; “Furthermore I am by no means convinced that banning the display of a legal product will have the desired effect of reducing smoking. Evidence from the countries where a ban has been introduced has shown that there was little change in the smoking rates amongst children.

“Our independent shops are a vital part of the social architecture of our communities. They provide a host of important benefits; increased choice, excellent convenience and often a very high standard of customer service. Many of them are under great pressure in any event and without these independent traders our High Streets are in danger of becoming ghost towns and local economies will suffer a great deal.”

Mr Soames will be visiting independent traders in the future to show his support.