One of the world's biggest tobacco firms has taken a fight against a planned cigarette display ban to the UK's highest court.
Imperial Tobacco challenged the Scottish Government's attempts to ban the open display of cigarettes in shops in Scotland at the Supreme Court in London.
Lawyers representing Imperial asked a panel of five Supreme Court justices to analyse issues after twice failing to persuade Scottish judges to set aside legislative provisions. The hearing is due to end later this week with judgment reserved to a later date.
Ministers say display bans are needed to protect future generations from the devastating effects of smoking.
Imperial says there is no credible evidence that display bans have cut tobacco consumption.
And the firm argues that the legislative provisions dealing with display bans are matters reserved for the UK Parliament in London.
Imperial, the firm behind Lambert & Butler and Richmond cigarette brands, is also opposing a ban on tobacco vending machines.
The company's challenge has delayed the implementation of measures aimed at stopping people smoking.
Ministers had intended to introduce the display ban in large shops in Scotland – the first part of the UK to adopt a ban on smoking in public places – in April.
Imperial initially sought a judicial review of ministers' plans for display bans.
A judge in Scotland ruled against the firm in September 2010. Imperial appealed but three judges rejected the challenge in February.
A Scottish Government spokesman said: "In the face of tobacco industry challenges to the Act, we will continue to defend the legislation."
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