SINGAPORE, 16 March 2016 – NTUC FairPrice (FairPrice) today announced steps it would be taking to comply with amendments to the Tobacco (Control of Advertisement) Bill passed on 14 March (Monday), to be implemented from 2017. For a start, FairPrice Xpress at Peace Centre is the first store to remove all tobacco product displays in addition to piloting a cigarette sales machine, which adheres to specifications of the new laws.

The machine, which does not display any cigarette products and labels, would be used to facilitate the sale of tobacco products while enhancing operational efficiency. The machine not only securely stores tobacco products, it also automatically tracks inventory, thereby increasing productivity as it eliminates the need for manual stock-taking daily.

Mr Seah Kian Peng, CEO of FairPrice said, “FairPrice supports the government’s efforts in protecting the health of Singaporeans. We have been actively exploring various options to facilitate customer needs while ensuring compliance. This pilot system is an industry first in Singapore that facilitates tobacco sales efficiently without actively promoting the products within. As a responsible retailer, FairPrice will continue to collaborate and work closely with the appropriate authorities to ensure smooth enforcement of this new legislation.”

From this pilot, FairPrice will then assess the feasibility to extend this system to its various outlets covering both convenience and supermarket stores located islandwide. The pilot is expected to last three months.

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