From July 1 this year, supermarkets will no longer be allowed to sell cigarettes and tobacco. After Lidl took the courageous decision to stop selling these products a few years ago, Jumbo indicated that - in anticipation of the introduction of this legislation - it wanted to stop selling these products from January 1. Albert Heijn also changed tack on January 1. This puts an end to the frequently heard argument from supermarket owners surrounding the sale of tobacco: that they simply want to take into account what their customers want to buy and that they will only stop selling unhealthy products if there is a legal ban. Because only then will there be a level playing field. The fact that stopping the sale of cigarettes means a significant loss of turnover for supermarkets will certainly contribute to this.
However, the announced ban does not prevent a growing number of supermarkets from opening a tobacco shop separately next to their supermarket. The fact that these are franchisees and not branches does not detract from this development. Existing chains of tobacconists are also expanding rapidly.
Opening new tobacco shops is not punishable, if you go by the letter of the law. It is reprehensible. It does not match the spirit of the law, which attempts to restrict sales and prevent children from becoming addicted. Therefore, extra appreciation for the municipality of Utrecht, which announced that no tobacco shops may be added within the city.
Another example of behavior that is not punishable, but does raise moral questions, concerns the emission of toxic substances by Tata Steel. Under current legislation, Tata Steel is not punishable, but it does raise questions about the ethical standards and values that we apply in our society.
It is in line with a striking development: much behavior by individuals and companies does not fall under the heading of 'criminal', but nevertheless deserves a critical look because of the moral implications. The fact that it is not illegal does not mean that it cannot be questioned from an ethical point of view. The fact that companies are looking for loopholes in the law or want to stretch the legislation means that activists, NGOs and other stakeholders are increasingly looking into whether there are criminal offenses. If only in the spirit of the law. The number of lawsuits against large companies is therefore increasing rapidly.
It is clear that there is a need to rethink our norms and values, both at an individual and corporate level. Companies must be aware of the broader impact of their activities and strive to balance profitability and social responsibility. This requires a change in mindset and a shift from short-term profit to sustainability and social involvement.
The government also has a role to play in drawing up regulations that tackle this type of behavior and protect the interests of society.
Mayke van Keep wrote this column for Logeion
