Health Bill [HL]

I am happy to answer that point. We will probably discuss those issues in more detail as time goes on. From the countries that have removed cigarettes from display, we have not had any evidence—and we have asked—of increases in staff injury or crime. We have no intention of dictating that tobacco products have to be located in a particular place, such as under the counter. Currently shop assistants often need to turn their back on customers momentarily to reach cigarettes or other products. Depending on the solution chosen, prohibiting the display of cigarettes would not necessarily increase the time it takes to serve a customer. We are working with the Association of Convenience Stores and the British Retail Consortium to develop straightforward regulations that would avoid imposing any solution or create unacceptable risks to staff, health or safety. The lead-in time for small retailers for this legislation is considerable, as it will not come into effect until 2013.