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Under-18s banned from using cigarette vending machines
Sophie Goodchild, Health Editor09.12.08
LARGE displays of cigarettes in shops will be banned under tough new anti-smoking measures unveiled today.
Under-18s will also be barred from buying tobacco from vending machines in a bid to stop children smoking.
The Government aims to prevent future generations suffering from poor health caused by tobacco. But ministers are expected to hold back from a ban on it being sold in branded packaging.
Instead, Health Secretary Alan Johnson will announce backing for more research into the benefits of selling cigarettes in plain packets.
The measures have been welcomed by anti-smoking campaigners and health experts who have fought for a change in the law. Both the British Heart Foundation and British Medical Association have blamed vending machines for giving teenagers easy access to cigarettes. But the measures will disappoint trade groups who have argued there is little evidence to show they will have health benefits.
It also comes after a late intervention by Business Secretary Peter Mandelson who attempted to block the new laws.
This followed pressure by retailers who warned they would suffer if the measures were approved. Ministers also feared the clampdown on smoking may alienate voters during the recession. But it is understood that Lord Mandelson was over-ruled by the Department of Health, which has consistently backed the plans.
Smoking has fallen by 10 per cent in other countries which have removed displays of cigarettes in shops. Evidence shows that costs to businesses can be minimal and that no shops have been forced to close as a result.
Vending machines are the source of cigarettes for nearly one in five smokers aged 11 to 15. Access will now be restricted to ensure that only those over 18 can use them.
The measures follow a major public consultation exercise which was launched last May. Deborah Arnott, director of anti-smoking organisation ASH, said: "The Government is to be congratulated on prioritising public health and getting rid of these deadly displays which are temptingly placed to attract children right by the sweet counter in every corner shop, convenience store, supermarket and petrol station across the country."
Reader views (9)
can someone please tell me where these vending machines are and how children have access to them?
- Philip Johnson, Fareham Hampshire
'The Icelandic ban, introduced in 2001, has failed to achieve its aim of reducing smoking rates in the country’s under 18s.
In fact smoking prevalence among 15-19-year-olds actually increased from 14.4% to 17.5% in the year that the ban was introduced, official figures from Statistics Iceland reveal.
In 2002, smoking prevalence among this age group was the highest it had been for five years at 17.%. Today at 15.2% it still remains higher than it had been before the ban'
- Chas, Little Britain
Japan has the higest smoking rates per capita, yet one of the lowest lung cancer rates. Maybe you should be asking yourselves why?
"Forbidden fruit" kids love it, watch the smoking rates rise, with this stupid idea. Will they be hiding them in the same places they hide, ecstasy,cocaine,heroin? The kids would know where to get them before the adults.
Scotlands heart attack rates have risen since the ban, not lowered as the propaganda we get fed led us to believe!
- Mandyv, cambs
Johnson will destroy small shops, just as he did with pubs and clubs. How long will it be before he forces alcohol, which is a more dangerous drug, under the counter for our health?
- Chas, Little Britain
Alan Johnson said: "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."
The reason why we have children smoking today is because of an act of treason by Prime Minister Tony Blair when he conspired with Max Mosley and Bernie Ecclestone to destroy EC directive 98/43/EC; a deal in which he was to receive millions. And this shortly after his manifesto pledge in 1997 to ban tobacco advertising in the first few weeks of office.
(98/43/EC was to impose a blanket ban on all forms of tobacco advertising, but was annulled by the European Court of Justice).
- Stuart Holmes, Manchester/London
I don't smoke - BUT, if tobacco and cigarette packaging is removed from public view, I shall certainly be sorry.
Why,,,? Well - think about it - you must admit, a well-stocked tobacco counter greets the naked eye with a vivid blaze of varied colours that is always visually attractive...!! It is a view to which I, for one, am addicted...!!!
- Joanna Jay, Walton on Thames
Will the government then ban the toxic flouride from our water, msg from our food, and while we are at it apartame from our pop. no thought not.
- Frank, stoke on trent uk
In France cigarettes may only be legally bought from government licensed tabacs; in Spain it is the same but with the addition of vending machines which can only be accessed one pack at a time after they are unlocked by staff.
Why is it that Britain has so much trouble implementing simple solutions that the rest of Europe finds so easy?
- Casper Slides, France at the moment
another unworkable law
- Fly, london
