Dispute resolved as nicotine pouch store relocates within shopping center in Pori

A dispute between a nicotine pouch store in a Pori shopping center and the city has reached a temporary resolution. The retailer has relocated to a different space within the center, rendering the previously imposed fine irrelevant. Pori had imposed a penalty on the company, Piitti, for not adhering to regulations regarding the visibility of tobacco products. The city required the retailer to conceal the products and install a separate entrance to prevent underage customers from accessing them.

Ville Lehtimäki, the CEO of Piitti, argues that Pori is interpreting the law excessively strictly compared to other cities, like Lahti, where the company operates another outlet. He contends that the tobacco products were not visible outside the previous store. The move to a new location has led to increased operational costs for the company, including a higher rent.

Riikka Jokiainen, head of Pori’s environmental and health supervision unit, confirms that the matter is now satisfactory from the city’s perspective, as the new premises meet the required standards. She maintains that the tobacco products were previously visible from outside the sales area but refrains from commenting on the ongoing judicial process, stating the city is awaiting the court’s decision calmly.

Retail sales of nicotine pouches have sparked considerable debate after the government decided to retract a previously approved bill concerning their sale. This development follows reports that Anna-Maja Henriksson, Minister of Education and chair of the Swedish People’s Party (RKP), had supported a nicotine pouch manufacturer in her hometown, Pietarsaari. Henriksson has denied any intent to favor the company in the legislative initiative.