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Legislation to ban cigarette vending machines from pubs could be scrapped by the coalition government.
The law, which would also make it illegal to display cigarette cartons at shop counters, was rushed through in the last few weeks of the Labour government. However, the changes have not been implemented after tobacco manufacturers threatened to seek a judicial review.
The Department of Health has indicated the possibility of repealing the Tobacco Act over fears it may have a detrimental effect on businesses and prove costly to enforce. Jean King, director of tobacco control at Cancer Research UK, said: "Removing tobacco from point of sale is important if we are to protect children from tobacco."
Reader views (12)
"Removing tobacco from point of sale is important if we are to protect children from tobacco"
Why can people not see the simple truth, that this is total nonsense.
It is illegal to sell tobacco,to anyone below the age of 18. Only adults are able to be sold tobacco legally in UK.
This product has nothing at all, to do with children.
Shopkeepers ask for ID,same as for alcohol. That is adequate enough protection from tobacco.
This measure is really intended to make adults buying tobacco, feel intimidated. Another part of their nasty denormalisation process. Persecuting adults that smoke is clearly what the likes of ASH and CRUK are good at.
Lets hope the general public are listened to soon by the ConDems and that the smoking ban in our pubs and clubs will be amended.
- Jon, Birmingham, 20/07/2010 00:47
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They implemented a ban on retailer displays of tobacco products in Ireland a while back. The cost to retailers was minimal - many simply erected a cheap blind in front of the display cabinets, for , oh I'd say fifty quid. It does the job. Not sure what impact it's had on smoking consumption though.
- kevin Lynch, Dublin, 19/07/2010 10:23
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Melvyn Windebank - I hope you're spot on! I can't wait and - I'm sure - neither can so many pub landlords who are in imminent danger of going to the wall.
- L Wheatley, London, England, 16/07/2010 14:02
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I wonder which Tory politician owns the vending machines business? Nora this article is about cigarette vending machines, anon just say g.m food lobby will be growing their crops all over the country next, what he means is when a Tory politician wants to make money, they do not care what you or I think! They are now in power, and they will make themselves rich regardless of the cost to the public, regardless of what the public thinks or what's good or bad for me and you, its all about money, their money called greed. Banning cigarette vending machines from pubs, was one of the good laws New Labour did, maybe the best one.
- Frederick, London, 16/07/2010 13:51
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'A powerful and growing body of research evidence suggests that each country that implements a new tobacco display ban risks significant economic damage and a deterioration in public health.'
Read Patrick Basham's excellent paper on Canada's Ruinous Display Ban and more at: http://www.iea.org.uk/record.jsp?type=book&ID=517
- Mr E, London, 16/07/2010 13:11
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So they worry it could have a detrimental effect on businesses, Have they ever given any thought to the Smoking Ban in our Pubs and Clubs,the ban is Killing the industry and the Public want it changed to allow all people Choice,and how much has the smoking ban cost the Taxpayer to enforce,it is time for common sense to be shown,people demand Choice not Discrimination and Prohibition.
- F Wilson, skegness england, 16/07/2010 10:26
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This is Common sense-so it will probably still go ahead anyway. This legislation will increase organised crime and the BLACK market, destroy businesses and encourage MORE young people to smoke - the evidence is overwhelming in countries where this has been implemented. IT DOES NOT WORK.
This was never about young people - it is purely about de-normalizing smokers. Maybe some are beginning to realise that the anti-tobacco lobby, sponsored by big pharma to enhance their profits, deal in lies and deception.
I Agree with Nora about GM foods.
Mervyn - yer avin a larf!! Since when have the tobacco industry had any influence whatsoever over any govt policy in the last 50 years or so? - Only in the myths put out by anti-tobacco as a last resort when, one by one their lies are ALL exposed.
- Kin_Free, UK, 16/07/2010 01:38
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Wonder how much funds the Tory Party received from the tobacco industry before the election?
Just think people can buy and yet not smoke these cigarettes in pubs no doubt the next stage will be to remove the smoking ban???
- Melvyn Windebank, Canvey Island, Essex, 15/07/2010 19:13
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To: anon leicestershire.
Millions of people feel furious about GM food.That industry has a long and unholy history. Just ask the poor be-knighted farmers in America's heartland(also in the third world) about terminator seeds and being in hock to big Pharma.
If you feel strongly about it why are you signing yourself Anon?
You must stand by your principals and not hide behind a curtain.
- Nora Kane, London, 15/07/2010 15:24
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There is no good reason why this shouldn't be forced through. 'Dark Marketing' (as it is also known) is an important part of reducing cigarette consumption.
- Kevin, Harrow, UK, 15/07/2010 14:10
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cigerette lobby seems to be able to buy the con-dems quite cheaply next it will be g.m food lobby growing their crops all over the country
- anon leicestershire, leicestershire, 15/07/2010 14:02
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Con-dems worried about an income stream perhaps?
- bobby, berks, 15/07/2010 12:16
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