Increased P.E.I. tobacco restrictions unnecessary, says retailer

A convenience store owner in Charlottetown doesn't see how new legislation controlling flavoured tobacco will curb smoking.

John Wincey, owner of a Wilson's Gas Stop location, believes with all the other tobacco products available banning flavours won't make a difference.

"I don't know, I just think people are going to switch to other products," said Wincey.

"I don't think they're going to completely quit smoking because they can't get a cherry-flavoured."

The legislation tabled Tuesday would ban flavoured tobacco and treat e-cigarettes like other tobacco products.

Advocates of the new rules say surveys show most young people who start smoking start with flavoured tobacco, but Wincey said there are already sufficient controls to keep tobacco away from children.

"We're spot-checked quite often to make sure we're not selling to under-aged people," he said.

"If they're getting them it's an adult that buying it for them and that won't change really either. They can still order it online either way."

Wincey said he will lose money if flavoured tobacco sales are banned. He said it's not a lot, about five to 10 per cent of his total tobacco sales, but it's still a loss in a business where profit margins are tight.