Smoke signals

Your article “Radical new plans revealed to turn Scotland smoke free” (21 June) fails to mention one of the more potentially damaging proposals that could see corner shops across Scotland forced to close, depriving many communities of crucial local services.

The plan would look to restrict retail outlets selling tobacco according to their density within a particular area. With tobacco sales making up around 30 per cent of an average independent store’s income, it would be impossible for such stores to stay open. Such shops also provide crucial local community services including post office and banking services.

Such a policy is totally ignorant of modern consumer behaviour. Smokers would simply turn to the black market that would look to take advantage and fill the void created by these forced closures.

It is disappointing that once again the Snp-led government has caved to the pressure of professional health lobbyists rather than the views of small retailers and local communities.

SULEMAN KHONAT National Spokesman Tobacco Retailers’ Alliance PO Box 61705, London