Proving that it’s often local retailers that lead the way when it comes to responsible retailing (but rarely get the credit), February’s SLR leads with an article by Deputy Editor Kevin Scott on the implementation of a new fingertip recognition system in AML’s 9 Spar stores in Tayside and Fife. Customers can register their fingerprint at the store and will never need to bring ID along with them again to buy age-restricted products. Another fantastic example of c-store retailers leading the way – don’t hold your breath waiting for Kenny MacAskill or Shona Robison though...

The news section is of course dominated by the fact that Holyrood has voted for the ban on the display of tobacco products, regardless of the fact thet there is no conclusive proof it will actually stop young people smoking. Another victory for politics over common sense.

The SLR Awards 2010 are officially launched in this issue too with a Freepost entry form included with the magazine. Make sure you give yourself the chance of winning peer recognition, and £1,000!

Among our in-store work this month is the 2nd part of our Energy Shots merchandising masterclass with Red Bull – we’re at a Premier store in Dundee and an unaffiliated independent store in Glasgow city centre – and there’s also the launch of a great new project bringing Diageo’s Free Your Spirits initiative to life in a few stores across Scotland.

Editor Antony Begley visited the Quaker factory in Cupar last month to find out more about the humble porridge oat and found out lots of interesting stuff – did you know every Quaker and Scott’s porridge oat eaten in the UK comes from the Cupar plant? Check out the article to find out more.

Don’t miss this month’s pullout confectionery supplement, a bumper feature on breakfast goods and the usual mix of NPD, new, media, opinion, research, off-trade and more.