NTUC FairPrice trials cigarette vending machine for tobacco display ban
The first cigarette sales machine launched by NTUC FairPrice on Wednesday (March 16). Photo: Damien Teo
SINGAPORE — Two days after new laws banning shops from displaying tobacco products were passed, NTUC FairPrice, the largest supermarket chain here, has launched a pilot of a cigarette vending machine — the first of its kind in Singapore — at one of its convenience stores.
Patrons who wish to buy cigarettes from NTUC’s FairPrice Xpress at Peace Centre will have to pay for a ticket from the cashier — and get their age verified — before scanning the ticket at the machine, which will then dispense the cigarette pack.
In accordance with the upcoming curbs on point-of-sale display of cigarette and other tobacco products — under the Tobacco (Control of Advertisements and Sale) Act, which will kick in next year — the cigarette vending machine is opaque and does not display any cigarette packs or labels. It is about the same size as a standard vending machine for drinks and snacks, and can store up to 80 varieties of cigarettes.
Apart from securely storing tobacco products, the machine also tracks inventory automatically, eliminating the need for manual stock-taking.
The pilot is for three months and the supermarket chain is expected to roll out up to 30 such machines at its other outlets by the end of this year. NTUC FairPrice runs a network of more than 120 supermarkets and more than 160 convenience stores.
The percentage sale of tobacco products in NTUC FairPrice’s convenience stores is about two to three times that in its supermarkets, said Cheers general manager Victor Cheong.
In addition to launching more cigarette vending machines at its supermarkets and convenience stores, NTUC FairPrice is also exploring using the same technology for other high-value items, such as vitamins and razor blades, to reduce pilfering, said Mr Cheong.
Consumers whom TODAY spoke to had mixed feelings about the move.
Former smoker Lee Ruiqi felt that smokers will not be hindered from getting their fix.
“It seems like there will be an extra step for them, but certainly won’t hinder them from purchasing cigarettes,” said the 28-year-old, who noted that similar machines exist in Europe.
Teacher Lee Xin Ying said it may prevent youths from “trying out” smoking as the products are not in plain sight. “It may be less accessible for them. But there may not be much of an impact on regular smokers,” she said.
From 2017, shops will have to keep all tobacco products out of sight of customers, with the goal to prevent impulse purchases.
Retailers must either install features that cover up their existing cigarette storage units, or keep these products somewhere else so that they are not visible to the public, such as under the counter or in a separate room. The new laws also include curbs on the display of price lists of tobacco products.
