NFRN: Ban would not halt young smoking trends

While the organisation said that a ban ought not to lower sales from cigarettes for shop owners, it could be a "burden" on retailers that is unlikely to limit the numbers of youngsters taking up the habit.

Additionally, the NFRN argued that the distinction between illicit and legal products could be blurred if the items are placed beneath and not behind the counter.

The government should attempt to tackle the illicit trade industry instead of focusing too highly on displays in an effort to lower availability if cigarettes, it added.

And in more cases than not, people's behaviour is determined by society and they are encouraged to smoke because of the actions of friends and relatives.

Proxy purchasing of tobacco by adults for children must also be dealt with, the NFRN highlighted following a consultation period by the Department of Health on the future of tobacco control.

Opposition has been voiced to proposals by the government in recent times to alter tobacco display plans, by both the Association of Convenience Stores and the Tobacco Retailers Alliance, which has created a petition.