Fighting the Future

By Mehgan Belanger

“Many people say it wouldn’t happen — I’ve learned to never say never,” Dave Bryans, president of the Canadian Convenience Store Association, said about a new law banning the display of tobacco products in several provinces. “We’ve seen some rumbling in the U.S. that world health organizations want no tobacco displays.”

This statement began a warning by Bryans during the session “What Happens When Your No. 1 Category Disappears?” taking place Oct. 5, during the NACS Show 2008. A panel of Canadian convenience industry personnel detailed their opinions of new legislation that made the tobacco section in c-stores “go dark.”

“Retailers have been in denial,” said Jeff Bakun, director of trade development for tobacco firm Rothmans Benson & Hedges Inc. “They thought there would be a silver bullet — the health organizations would make concessions, the government wouldn’t allow it or manufacturers would find a way to bail them out.”

The group also recommended ways U.S. retailers can be proactive in fighting similar legislation, including getting involved with state and national associations’ efforts; be proactive; be well-educated on new regulations; and ban together to fight. “You will lose your relationship with the biggest stakeholder if you don’t fight,” said Bryans. “How are you going to pay the rent? What can take tobacco’s place?”