Scotland's Tobacco Ban Comes Into Force

A ban on the open display of cigarettes and other tobacco products in large shops in Scotland has come into effect.

The changes are part of wider measures to improve health in Scotland by reducing the number of people choosing to smoke.

The ban comes into force a month after the Scottish Government launched its Tobacco Control Strategy.

Under the Tobacco and Primary Medical Services (Scotland) Act 2010, the sale of cigarettes from vending machines is also banned, as is the display of tobacco products and smoking related products in places where they are offered for sale. Stores that fail to comply with the new changes could be convicted of a criminal offence or receive a fixed penalty fine.

Minister for Public Health Michael Matheson said the move would help prevent young people from taking up smoking.

He added: "It is well known that smoking is associated with a range of illness and is the primary preventable cause of ill health and premature death. Each year, tobacco use is associated with over 13,000 deaths and 56,000 hospital admissions in Scotland.

"That is why it is so important that this Government works to improve health by reducing the number of people who choose to smoke and evidence shows that young people exposed to the promotion of tobacco are more likely to try smoking.

"The display bans will therefore play a crucial role in reducing the number of young people that choose to smoke."

The ban will come into force for smaller retailers on 6 April 2015.

(JP/MH)