The Scottish government plans to limit the display of tobacco products to an area approximately the size of a cigarette packet.

The announcement was among draft details of its tobacco display regulations, which are now open to consultation. 

MSPs estimate the cost of compliance to be £160 for a corner shop and £320 for a c-store – figures which retailers claim are unrealistic.

Public health minister Shona Robison said: “I urge retailers to use this consultation as an opportunity to shape the future of tobacco retailing in Scotland.” The consultation runs until July. 

Welsh retailers also have a chance to challenge proposals to ban displays after the Welsh Assembly Government launched its draft regulations earlier this month. These are the same as in England, with the same time frames.

Independent retailer Nigel Crocker, who has two stores in South Wales, said: “I’m concerned about the impact that a display ban will have on the illicit trade, which is already a big problem in my area. I’ve written to my MPs in Cardiff and in Newport, but not had a response from either.”