Grocery Channels Hard Hit by Hungarian Tobacco Law

In 2013, the Hungarian government passed a bill reforming tobacco retailing with the aim of reducing underage smoking and overall smoking prevalence in the country. This law is having a major impact on grocery stores, convenience stores, supermarkets and forecourt retailers, all of which can no longer sell tobacco products. As of July 1 2013, only a limited number of shops branded as “National Tobacco Stores” are allowed to sell tobacco products at fixed prices. At the end of 2013, tobacco sa...