The tobacco ban has a dramatic effect on neighborhood supermarkets. It is possible that 500 supermarkets will disappear in small villages. This is apparent from research carried out by the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport (VWS) into the consequences of the ban.
In order to reduce the number of smokers in the Netherlands, the sale of cigarettes and other tobacco products is gradually being restricted. From 2023 it will no longer be possible to buy tobacco online and in 2024 the ban will come into effect for all supermarkets. After 2030, it will be the turn of gas stations and tobacconists and convenience stores, after which the sale of tobacco will be reserved for specialist shops.
Research commissioned by the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport, shows that the stop on tobacco sales leads to a sharp decline in net profit for small supermarkets. Tobacco makes up an important part of the turnover in these stores (an average of 14 percent). Small supermarkets in particular are afraid that customers will shop at another store if they have to travel further for their tobacco.
Forced to stop
The researchers indicate that 500 supers may go bankrupt. Small supermarkets with a high share of tobacco turnover, which do not have a tobacconist within walking distance, are likely to be forced to close due to far fewer customers. ‘The disappearance of the local supermarket will also reduce the number of visitors to other shops and restaurants. The closure can therefore have negative consequences for the quality of life in neighborhoods and small villages. The cessation also has major consequences for the entrepreneurs themselves,’ according to the report on limiting tobacco sales.
State Secretary Paul Blokhuis (VWS) reports in a letter to the House of Representatives that the consequences for the quality of life in these villages in particular ‘require the necessary attention’. According to him, economic and social aspects should be taken into account when choosing the further reduction of tobacco. What this actually means is not clear. In view of his caretaker status, Blokhuis leaves that assessment to the new cabinet.
Recognition
The Vakcentrum, representing the interests of independent retailers, is pleased that Blokhuis recognizes the negative effects of a ban on the sale of tobacco in supermarkets. Director Patricia Hoogstraaten: ,,We would like to discuss the broader consequences. Because with the disappearance of the supermarket, other functions often also disappear, for example when it comes to postal and banking and other services. In addition, there is no meeting place.”
Hoogstraaten fears that due to the ban, many customers will soon cross the border and buy tobacco in Germany and Belgium. “That does not only apply to people who live in the border areas, there are more and more Dutch people who find it worthwhile to go to our neighboring countries for this. Just look how popular refueling is.”
She wants to convince the political parties to reconsider an alternative to missing out on tobacco sales. “We had already investigated it ourselves, but now an independent agency also concludes that the consequences for the smaller stores could be dramatic. Because smokers who buy their tobacco almost always buy more groceries in the store. Perhaps the suffering of the entrepreneurs can be alleviated by not banning the sale of e-cigarettes in supermarkets.”
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