21 May 2008


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Tobacco display ban moves closer

Tobacco

independent

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The Scottish Government has unveiled plans to ban displays of cigarettes in shops – with England expected to follow suit in the next few weeks.

Public health minister Shona Robinson outlined the plans to the Scottish Parliament today.

The proposals, which take in plans to licence tobacco retailers, include:

• Legislating to restrict the display of cigarettes and other tobacco products at points of sale
• Updating statutory controls on the sale of tobacco products, with a view to introducing licensing and sanctions such as cautions and fixed penalty notices
• Considering issues surrounding outlawing the sale of cigarettes in packs of 10 and further steps to reduce underage sales from vending machines
• Introducing a scheme for councils to more vigorously enforce tobacco sales laws
• Cracking down on smuggled and counterfeit cigarettes, in collaboration with Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs
• Working with the UK Government and devolved administrations to consider using plain packaging for cigarettes

Robinson said: “"I am aware that some people will be concerned about further statutory controls on the sale of cigarettes.

“However, I am in no doubt that the prominent display of cigarettes in shops undermines our efforts to shift cultural perceptions of smoking - as does the apparent ease with which cigarettes can be bought.

"Protecting young people from the impact of tobacco must be paramount and there are instances - and this is one - when the benefits to the health of the nation must take precedence.”

South of the border, the Government is expected to launch a strategy paper in the next few weeks that will set out a range of options, including:

• Restricting tobacco displays at point of sale
• Banning packs of less than 10 cigarettes
• Banning tobacco vending machines

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David McLean	23 May 2008 15:30:14
More laws, rules and regulations. Where does it end? Sorry but very soon if things continue as they are, we aint going to have any freedom left to take in this country- EVERYTHING IS GOING TO BE DICTATED TO US.

John Smith	28 May 2008 12:24:26
Why the paranoia? As far as I'm concerned, this is an eminently sensible move that is long overdue. But it's inevitable that there will be grumbles. I expect that there were those spraffing on about the erosion of their liberties the day they outlawed the unrestricted sale of opium ...