GEORGE TOWN: With the tobacco display ban taking effect yesterday, retailers are using whatever they have on hand, including cardboard and black plastic, to cover the shelves.
One shop took a creative approach – using newspaper to cover its glass display doors.
Bryan Chuah, 24, who runs his family’s retail business selling cigarettes, tobacco and cigars, has covered the glass display doors with newspaper while waiting for frosted glass replacements.
“The new sliding doors will be fitted soon, and in the meantime, newspapers were the most practical solution.
“We put up a wall of newspaper covers as it was convenient and added a personal touch,” he said when met at the shop along Jalan Burma yesterday.
Having operated the business for four generations, Chuah said the new regulation has posed challenges.
“Previously, customers could just point at what they wanted through the glass. Now, they have to name the brand.
“Some customers prefer to see the packaging to make a choice, which isn’t possible unless I slide the doors open.”
Chuah said the shop stocks over 20 cigarette brands and a wide variety of tobacco flavours.
“We used to sell vape products too, but we stopped in August due to the tighter restrictions.
“We didn’t want to take any chances,” he said.
A coffee shop operator, who wished to be known only as Tan, has moved her cigarette stock into a drawer to comply with the new regulations.
“Only my regulars buy cigarettes, so I’ve informed them that I still sell them, but they are no longer displayed behind the counter,” she said.
Tan admitted the change is inconvenient but necessary.
“It’s going to be a bit cumbersome, but I’d rather that than risk getting fined,” she said, adding that she may eventually stop selling cigarettes altogether.
