Store owner in Daugård halts nicotine sales, citing young employee concerns

In a small area of Min Købmand in Daugård, near Hedensted, shelves that once held an assortment of nicotine products like cigarettes, tobacco, and snus are now empty. Store owner Allan Kring Bülow has decided to stop selling nicotine products altogether, moving the remaining items to a locked cabinet in the back as they await transfer to other retailers.

Bülow cites concerns for his young employees as a key reason for his decision, as well as the high costs associated with selling nicotine, including insurance and security systems. He expressed anxiety about the repercussions of mistakes that could cost his store up to 25,000 kroner, impacting his staff’s morale.

Since July 1, the Danish Safety Authority has deployed young testers aged 15-17 to check compliance among retailers regarding age restrictions on alcohol and tobacco sales. Bülow is worried that this scrutiny adds unnecessary pressure on his employees, many of whom are new and still in training.

Despite the implications for his earnings, Bülow stands firm in his decision and does not foresee bringing nicotine products back to his store. He continues to sell alcohol, which also poses a risk of fines, albeit lower at a maximum of 10,000 kroner, and believes that dropping tobacco sales alleviates pressure on young cashiers who often face challenges when verifying customer ages.

Other retailers are observing Bülow’s situation, and some may consider similar actions if the impact on business proves manageable. However, at Spar in Suldrup, owner Christian Vestergaard remains supportive of age verification checks and has not seen negative outcomes from them.