Tobacco display ban

29th December 2014

Small shops must make change by April

With New Year approaching, retailers are being reminded that they must stop displaying tobacco products by 6 April 2015.

The small shop display ban will follow a similar ban for larger shops which has been in force since 2013. It means that all Scottish shops will have to keep tobacco products behind a counter. The policy is designed to reduce young people's exposure to promotion of smoking.

April 2015 is also the deadline when all hospitals have been asked to make their grounds smoke-free.

People also have a few days left to give their views on further regulation of e-cigarettes. A range of measures are being considered, including banning their sale for under-18s, making it illegal to buy e-cigarettes for under-18s, and limitations on marketing and advertising.

The consultation also seeks views on whether it should be illegal to smoke in a car while children are in the vehicle, and asks what action is required to make children’s outdoor areas, such as playgrounds, smoke-free.

Maureen Watt, Minister for Public Health, said:"2015 will be a significant year for tobacco control, because from 6 April no shop will be able to display tobacco products. The rules have been in place for large shops since 2013, but we want to ensure that all small retailers are aware of the changes they need to make over the next three months.

“Having tobacco products on display in shops help to normalise them, and we believe that by keeping them under cover we can prevent young people from taking up the habit.

“There is also not much time left to take part in our consultation on e-cigarettes and second hand smoking. I am very keen that as many people as possible take part in this consultation so that we have a wide range of views on the table. I’d urge everyone to consider taking part via the Scottish Government website."

Background:

To take part in the consultation visit: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2014/10/5471
The consultation was launched on 10 October and closes on 2 January.
To implement the tobacco-products directive UK-wide health departments have already agreed to consult on regulations for cross-border advertising of e-cigarettes, including TV, radio and internet.