Open tobacco displays in shops are set to be banned, the government said today, but the changes will not come into force at smaller stores for five years.
Under the legislation, branding on packets and vending machines will still be allowed.
Following a consultation into the display of cigarettes in shops, officials said the “overwhelming majority” of respondents backed the ban on cigarette displays.
The government argued a visible display ban on tobacco will cut down smoking rates among youngsters.
Health Secretary Alan Johnson said there is evidence to suggest people who begin smoking aged between 11 and 15 are three times more likely to die from the habit than those who take it up at 20.
Johnson told the BBC: “They see the point of sale display and as a result of seeing it, it encourages them to take up smoking. This is the key evidence as to why we have 200,000 11 to 15-year-olds smoking.”
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Last week, it was reported Peter Mandleson was attempting to block the ban over fears that it could harm smaller retailers during the economic downturn.
The Health Secretary is also set to offer a help package to those businesses who see a negative impact following the ruling.
The government said it will “provide support and ample lead-in time for compliance” and the regulations will come into force in large shops in 2011 but not until 2013 in smaller stores.
Imperial Tobacco told the government that it must respect “freedom of competition” when considering the possible ban.
Moreover, in November independent retailers also welcomed comments made by Shadow Health ministers over the ban, after they said it could harm businesses.
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