ACS has responded to a consultation on the introduction of a tobacco retailer register in Wales, opposing the Welsh government’s plans to introduce a national retailer funded tobacco and e-cigarette register.

The proposed register would cost retailers £30 per store and £10 per additional store to register to sell tobacco products.

ACS chief executive James Lowman said: “While this register has good intentions, the Welsh government should really be focusing on tackling the £2bn annual cost of the illicit trade directly, rather than imposing costly and unnecessary burdens of a tobacco retailer register on legitimate local shops.”

The planned tobacco retailer register would require retailers to apply and subsequently register with their local Registration Authority to sell tobacco products, including e-cigarettes. Without registering, it would be an offence for a retailer to sell these products.

If introduced, ACS suggests that the tobacco register should not be funded by retailers, but operated similarly to Scotland’s model where registration is free.

The planned tobacco register forms part of the National Assembly for Wales Health and Social Committee’s proposed Public Health (Wales) Bill. ACS’ full response to the consultation regarding the bill can be viewed here: http://www.acs.org.uk/download/3160/