Stores seek decision on tobacco law

Ministers were today told to "get their act together" and decide whether or not to remove tobacco displays from shops and supermarkets.

Major retailers are frustrated that the Government has still not said if it will go ahead with the ban, due to start in autumn.

Supermarkets said time was tight to carry out refits if the Coalition opts not to scrap legislation passed by Labour.

Health campaigners also called for a quick decision after months of delays.

Richard Dodd of the British Retail Consortium said there was "real frustration and concern" because a ban will mean big changes to hundreds of stores.

Cancer Research UK urged ministers to "press the go button" on a measure it said would protect children from "attractive" cigarette displays. Director of tobacco control Jean King said: "It's vital everything is done to put toba- cco out of sight and out of mind to protect future generations of children."

The demands centre on sections of the 2009 Health Act forcing shops to put cigarettes and other toba- cco products out of view.

Supporters say it will cut smoking rates and improve children's health but small shopkeepers claim their livelihoods are at risk.

The results of a Government review of the ban - due to come into effect for supermarkets in October and small shops two years later - have been expected at various times but no decision has been made.

A Department of Health official said: "The Government is looking at options on tobacco display, recognising the need for action both to reduce tobacco consumption and burdens on businesses."