Jim Calvin, president of the New York Association of Convenience Stores (NYACS), described the campaign as “another overreach by the FDA” and understands why retailers would be hesitant to participate.
“This initiative curiously comes at the same time as the tobacco companies’ court-ordered ‘corrective statement’ advertising in a legal case that retail stores were not a party to,” he said. “Maybe you’re wary that by agreeing to voluntarily display these posters, you might unwittingly expose the entire c-store industry to eventually being required to display anti-tobacco messaging in the future.
“Or maybe you’re concerned that participating could force your clerks into awkward conversations with customers who comment at the counter on the mixed message between the quit-smoking poster and your cigarette display.”