UK. The UK Travel Retail Forum (UKTRF), which represents the UK duty free industry, today welcomed new tobacco control regulations for England, which will allow the creation of tobacco display areas (TDAs) in English airport duty free shops.
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“The rules allow us to continue to trade effectively. Duty free retailing is very different to the high street.“ |
Sarah Branquinho Chairman UK Travel Retail Forum |
The new regulations, established under the Health Act 2009, foresee the creation of TDAs designed so that products within cannot be viewed from outside. The display areas will be clearly identified to customers to ensure only those who wish to purchase tobacco (and who are eligible) can enter the zone.
Age restrictions and tobacco health warnings will be prominently displayed at the entrance to the TDA. A member of staff will be positioned at all times at or in proximity to the TDA to answer customer questions. TDAs will not be “˜walk through’ areas.
The new tobacco regulations for England take effect on a phased basis between October 2011 and October 2013. The UKTRF said the TDA element was finalised after extensive discussions and negotiations between the UK airports and duty free operators, the Department of Health and the Better Regulation Executive.
The UKTRF said the solution was “pragmatic” and “workable”, meeting government policy objectives while recognising the distinct nature of the duty free market and its international audience.
UKTRF Chairman Sarah Branquinho said: “We welcome the solution reached under these new rules, which has come about following a lengthy and constructive engagement with the Department of Health and the Better Regulation Executive.
“The regulations ensure minors and vulnerable adults are protected from exposure to tobacco branding whilst at the same time recognising our unique and controlled retail environment.
“The rules allow us to continue to trade effectively. Duty free retailing is very different to the high street as we only sell in bulk and we do not have passing trade, point of sale purchasing, or any opportunity for impulse buying.
“Only passengers leaving the EU are eligible to buy and all products must be exported fully intact. We now urge the other UK regions to follow this lead set by the Department of Health.”
