Lidl Denmark to end all tobacco sales by 2029

According to reports today, by the end of 2028, consumers will no longer be able to purchase any type of tobacco products at Lidl supermarkets in Denmark.

The company stated that the process of removing tobacco from Lidl stores will begin this year, with 20% of cigarettes being taken off the shelves.

A completely smoke-free store will also open in the town of Hjørring in North Jutland.

"This must be done the right way, which is why we have chosen to phase out tobacco products over five years," said Khalil Jehya Taleb, Lidl's purchasing director in Denmark.

"We hope customers will respond positively and choose Lidl for our other food offerings." He did not estimate the potential loss the company might face from no longer selling tobacco.

"There is no doubt we will lose revenue. But this means we support the Danish Cancer Society's agenda for a smoke-free generation," he said.

"If our colleagues in the supermarket industry are interested in accelerating the phase-out, we will also consider it," he added.

The two largest supermarket companies in Denmark, Coop and Salling Group, both stated they do not have immediate plans to follow Lidl's approach.

Coop, which owns Kvickly, SuperBrugsen, and 365 discount stores, stated it will not display these products and will not ask customers for identification if they wish to purchase them.

"But we will not stop adults from purchasing the products they need. Of course, in many places where we are the only store," the company stated.

Salling's corporate social responsibility manager, Henrik Vinther Olsen, stated that the company is willing to engage in dialogue on how to reduce smoking.

"But tobacco is a legal product that many want and can legally purchase," he said.

He also noted that Salling, which owns Netto, Bilka, and Føtex, removed cigarettes from display five years ago.

Lidl's decision has been praised by the Danish Cancer Society, which stated that it could inspire other methods to reduce smoking rates.

"This is a significant step that could one day lead to a complete cessation of tobacco and nicotine sales," said Niels Them Kjær, head of the tobacco reduction project at the Danish Cancer Society.

"It will not have a significant impact until it spreads to more chains," he said.

Lidl plans to open 60 more stores in Denmark over the next few years, each of which will be tobacco-free.