According to a report from Danish media outlet The Local, the major Danish supermarket chain Lidl plans to stop selling all tobacco products by the end of 2028. The company stated that this year they will begin removing tobacco from Lidl stores, with 20% of cigarettes being taken off shelves. Additionally, a completely smoke-free store will be opened in the town of Hjørring in North Jutland, Denmark.
Khalil Jehya Taleb, the Purchasing Deputy Director at Lidl Denmark, stated that their gradual phasing-out of tobacco products over the next five years must be done in the right way. He added that they hope customers will positively react to this move and choose Lidl for their other food products. Taleb did not disclose the potential losses that the company may face by no longer selling tobacco and expressed support for Denmark's Cancer Society's smoke-free agenda.
Denmark's two largest supermarket companies, Coop and Salling Group, have stated that they currently have no plans to follow Lidl's lead. Coop has said that it will not display tobacco products, but will not prevent adults from purchasing them, especially in areas where they are the only store available.
Henrik Vinther Olsen, head of corporate social responsibility at Salling Group, stated that they are willing to have a conversation about reducing smoking. However, tobacco is a legal product and many people want and can legally purchase it.
Lidl plans to open 60 stores in Denmark in the coming years, with each store committing to not selling tobacco products.
The Danish Cancer Society has praised Lidl's decision, stating that it could inspire other methods to decrease smoking rates. Niels Them Kjær, Head of the Tobacco Reduction Project at the Danish Cancer Society, said "This is a big step that could one day lead to a complete cessation of tobacco and nicotine sales. Before it spreads to more chain stores, it won't have a serious impact.
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Lidl supermarkets in Denmark have announced plans to stop selling tobacco products by 2029.
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