Four out of five corner shops in Northern Ireland could be driven out of business if a ban on tobacco displays is introduced, a new survey claims.

A study by the Tobacco Retailers Alliance — which represents 26,000 independent shopkeepers across the UK — also found that 97% of retailers in Northern Ireland feel the Government has not listened to their concerns about the display ban.

John McKeown from Ballymena, the Northern Ireland spokesman for the Alliance said: “A ban on tobacco displays will put many independent shopkeepers out of business. That's just what has happened in Canada where 23 convenience stores in Ontario and 12 in Quebec closed every week after bans were introduced there.

“The Government want to ban displays to reduce youth smoking, but the evidence from Canada shows that youth smoking levels went down more and faster in provinces where tobacco was still on display than those provinces where tobacco displays were banned. There is no evidence that a ban on displays reduces youth smoking and that is why New Zealand recently abandoned proposals to introduce a ban.”

The survey also found that 42% of retailers in Northern Ireland were aware of adults buying tobacco legally in shops to give to under-18s.

Other findings included claims that:

• Two thirds of retailers (68%) are concerned that the ban would most likely displace trade to the black market.

• 45% of retailers believe that the ban would increase retail crime or displace trade to large multiples (58%).

• Over half (55%) are also concerned that the display ban would increase transaction times.

Mr McKeown added: “If the Government is serious about tackling youth smoking, then it should not be wasting time on unproven gimmicks like banning tobacco displays as it is preposterous to state that young people take up smoking because they see it on display in shops.

“They start smoking because they want to look older or because of peer pressure. Instead of banning displays, the Government should be making it illegal for adults to buy tobacco on behalf of those under 18.

“MPs don't need telling there will be an election within the next 12 months and if they go ahead with this ban, it is going to cost them votes.”

Belfast shopkeeper Adrian Boyd said independent retailers needed government support to stay in business.

He said: “Shops like mine rely on selling tobacco and anything that impairs my ability to sell it is bad for the whole business.

“It will not be long before many corner stores disappear from Britain's streets entirely.”