Scottish retailers have been left disappointed at the outcome of the Tobacco Display Judicial Review.

The Court of Session by Lord Bracadale dismissed the petition by Imperial Tobacco, which sought a ruling that sections 1 and 9 of the Tobacco & Primary Medical Services (Scotland) Act 2010 were outside the legislative competence of the Scottish Parliament.

Commenting on the decision, John Drummond, chief executive of the Scottish Grocers’ Federation, said: “We are disappointed at the outcome of the Judicial Review. SGF remains opposed to ban on principle.

“The evidence that a tobacco display ban would be effective at reducing smoking rates is weak and will burden small shops with excessive and unnecessary costs at the worst possible time.

“The Scottish Government has suggested that a display ban will cost a convenience store in the region of £320. However, we believe these costs have been severely underestimated and will cost retailers at least £1,400.”