Supermarket chain Albert Heijn is to cover up the displays of tobacco products at the check-outs in 15 of its stores.

The move is an experiment to find out the most effective method of hiding cigarettes and rolling tobacco from sight, broadcaster Nos reports.

Banning tobacco products from display in all supermarkets is one of a number of measures the government is considering in an effort to tighten up its anti-smoking laws.

By experimenting with ways of doing this, Albert Heijn is anticipating the new measure.

Tobacco products will be covered in various different ways in the 15 stores, for instance with doors or blinds, to see what works best for customers and staff.

The supermarket plans to offer the results to the food retailers’ association CBL.

The cancer charity KWF welcomed the test. ‘That Albert Heijn is already testing various methods of keeping tobacco products out of sight is a positive sign,’ a spokesman told the Nos.