Lidl is phasing out tobacco in Denmark
It is a trend across Europe, people drink less alcohol and smoke less. The health recommendations from authorities in all countries cracks down on smoking in all forms. Danish Lidl takes the consequences of the trend and phase out all sales of tobacco and nicotine products.
As the first grocery chain in Denmark, Lidl has decided to phase out the sale of tobacco and nicotine products in all stores before the end of 2028.
The initiative has already been phased in in all new stores, and the chain has phased out 40 percent of all tobacco and nicotine products in the remaining shops, Lidl informs in a press release.
The initiative comes on the basis that the Medical Association in Denmark ha presented 10 proposals for a smoke- and nicotine-free future.
“A goal that Lidl is already actively working towards,” explains Khalil Jehya Taleb, deputy purchasing director at Lidl Denmark.
“At Lidl, we are happy to read the Medical Association's new proposal and fully support the ambition to create a smoke- and nicotine-free future. We believe that retail has a key role to play in limiting the availability of tobacco, and we want to lead by example. The research shows that the number of points of sale helps to reduce the consumption of tobacco and nicotine products, which is why we, as the first grocery chain in Denmark, have set a date for when we will sell the last tobacco products. It is not only about doing the right thing for our customers, but also about taking responsibility for public health in Denmark.”
Inspiration from Finland
According to Lidl, the medical association proposes, among other things, to limit the availability of tobacco and nicotine, raise prices and introduce smoke- and nicotine-free generations, which harmonizes with Lidl's ambitions in this area.
Danish medical association specifically proposes that, inspired by Finland, a licensing system be introduced where dealers must apply for a license to be allowed to sell tobacco and nicotine against a fee, and that the number of dealers should be reduced over time.
“The proposal is a good start, but Lidl is ready to go one step further and take a final stand against all sales of nicotine and tobacco in the grocery stores:
“At Lidl, we work actively to reduce the availability of tobacco and nicotine. Tobacco products should not be available where children, young people and families do their grocery shopping. It is important to emphasize when we talk accessibility,” concludes Khalil Jehya Taleb.
We have asked Lidl about their policy on tobacco in other markets. Lidl has declined to comment on that.