The lack of sales of Marlboro and L & M cigarettes was principally due to Maltese consumer preferences, Central Cigarette Company Ltd claimed in a counter-protest yesterday.

Last week, Interbrands Ltd, distributor of Marlboro and L & M cigarettes, filed a judicial protest demanding Central Cigarette Company Ltd pay for the damage caused by an agreement the latter made with a number of shops to supply only the brands it sells and not those distributed by Interbrands Ltd.

In the counter-protest, Central Cigarette Company Ltd said the lack of sales registered by Interbrands was simply a reflection of the choice the Maltese consumers make when faced with the selection of cigarettes on the market.

In the protest, Interbrands Ltd, known as Austria Tabak Malta Ltd, said Central Cigarette Company Ltd breached the Competition Act by reaching an agreement to pay a considerable sum of money to some St Julian’s and Paceville shop owners to remove vending machines selling Marlboro and L & M cigarettes and only supply the brands distributed by Central Cigarette.

The company said it filed a complaint with the Fair Competition Office to this effect and the office had ruled in its favour.

In yesterday’s counter-protest, however, Central Cigarette Company Ltd said it was appealing against the decision and would be putting forward its complaint to the Fair Competition Commission.

In view of this fact, Central Cigarette Company Ltd denied liability for damages and claimed it was not responsible for the hypothetical sales Interbrands Ltd should have registered over the years.

The counter-protest was filed by Dr Michael Tanti Dougall and legal procurator Gerald Bonello.