OpenLobby.EU
Explore

Confédération Européenne des Détaillants en Tabac

CEDT

La CEDT reunit les associations nationales des détaillants de tabac.

Lobbying Activity

Response to Revised recommendation on smoke-free environments

20 Jul 2022

The European Confederation of Tobacco Retailers (CEDT)* is the voice of 150.000 local family run businesses of tobacco retailers from 8 MS. Our shops are located close to the people all over the EU territory and not only concentrated in highly frequented areas. CEDT Members works with sensitive products like tobacco as well as lottery and betting products. For these specific products, a controlled vending system – that the CEDT represents – gives MS the possibility to have a legal and secure retailing channel. But this is not all, we tend to transform our business in local services selling digital, press, postal products as well as useful proximity and public services. It is necessary to specify that the positions taken by the CEDT correspond to the feedback we get from our clients visiting our shops daily. We know smokers, our clients, we talk to them and they count on our advises. 1. Council recommendation on smoke-free environment The Council recommendation on smoke-free environment in 2009 changed the way tobacco consumption was traditionally seen and it was an important legislative step for non-smokers protection. The CEDT would however like to underline that tobacco products are a legal product which are sold for an adult consumption. Given that, smokers must have a place in outdoor public spaces where they can consume their tobacco or nicotine products. The protection of non-smokers is a very important issue that was very well addressed in 2009. Now, new challenges emerged but it is important to keep in mind the difference between traditional tobacco products and novel tobacco products with a potential reduced risk for the health. We are convinced that people should be free to decide how to live their private life (like in their car, or in their home etc…). We are also convinced that there is a lack of a real discussion about novel tobacco products. These products are a possible and less harmful alternative to classic cigarettes. Europe should take a position and consider them as a better option for consumption than traditional products. Also, on the basis of our experience and knowledge of the sector, we would like to underline that the impact in terms of passive smoking of less harmful products (such as vaping and heated tobacco products) cannot be compared of that of traditional cigarettes. Last but not least, the CEDT would like to stress that any EU policy should be balanced and should not result in an economic detriment for European small and medium enterprises. With regard to this specific call for evidence on smoke-free environment, the main victim of a possible ban on smoking in terraces is the hotel, restaurant and bar sector, which has been particularly affected during the health crisis. Recreational activities in bars and restaurants, a basic sector for the economy in Europe, have been severely limited since the beginning of the health crisis, reducing their income and endangering the survival of many of their businesses. Banning smoking on the terraces of these types of establishments would be a further damage to the economy in general and the sector in particular. Instead of bans, in order to promote tobacco control, it is necessary to consider the alternative of further promoting measures based on consumer information. With regard to tobacco, awareness-raising and education campaigns are a good tool, which have proven to be effective. In the event that restrictive measures on smoke-free outdoor areas in hospitality establishments are eventually adopted, it is essential that the legislator establish provisions to allow for specific smoking areas for those customers who choose to exercise their right to smoke. The CEDT is at your disposal should you need any additional clarification. *CEDT: La Confédération Européenne des Détaillants en Tabac (CEDT)
Read full response

Response to Fight against counterfeiting

3 Mar 2022

To whom it may concern, The European Confederation of Tobacco Retailers (CEDT) would like to thank the European Commission for giving the opportunity to contribute to such important initiative on EU toolbox against counterfeiting. Please find attached the contribution of the CEDT. Best regards, CEDT Secretariat
Read full response