Ban on tobacco displays announced
Ban on tobacco displays announced
http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/image...cigsbody-1.jpg Shops may have to remove displays
The open display of tobacco in shops is to be banned in England and Wales, the government has announced.
But it is understood plans for an outright ban on tobacco vending machines and branding on cigarette packets have been scrapped.
Ministers hope the display ban, which is also under consideration in Scotland, will reduce smoking. Northern Ireland is yet to decide a policy.
Critics say the moves do not go far enough to stop young people smoking.
A government consultation on how to deter young people from smoking launched six months ago found the "overwhelming majority" of 100,000 responses backed the display ban. http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/shared/img/o.gifhttp://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/nol/shared/...t_quote_rb.gif We expect nothing less than a robust tobacco control plan which includes a total ban on cigarette vending machines http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/nol/shared/...d_quote_rb.gif
British Heart Foundation
Health Secretary for England Alan Johnson said he had been impressed with evidence from other countries, suggesting the move would have an impact on smoking rates.
Ministers say where other countries - such as Iceland - have removed displays, smoking prevalence among young people has fallen by up to 10%.
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 200,00 11 to 15-year-olds smoking." http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/shared/img/o.gifFROM THE TODAY PROGRAMME
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He said people who start smoking in their youth - aged 11 to 15 - are three times more likely to die a premature death than someone who takes up smoking at the age of 20.
They are also more likely to be hooked for life.
Deborah Arnott, director of the anti-smoking group ASH, backed the ban and said the prohibition of the display of tobacco products at point of sale would be "a proportionate response to the death and disease caused by tobacco".
The Tobacco Manufacturers' Association opposes the cigarette display ban and says it could have serious unintended consequences, such as driving the sale of illicit tobacco. http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/shared/img/o.gifFROM THE TODAY PROGRAMME
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It could also damage the income of smaller shops that rely heavily on tobacco sales, said the TMA's chief executive Mr Chris Ogden.
Mr Johnson said the big supermarkets would be asked first to remove their displays.
Restricting access
He said other plans had been scrapped as a result of the consultation - such as getting rid of 10-pack cigarettes. Only selling cigarettes in packs of 20 might drive people who are trying to quit to smoke more, he said.
But Mr Johnson said they would clamp down on underage sales from cigarette sales vending machines - people wanting to buy these cigarettes will have to show proof of age to obtain a token to work the machine.
If this doesn't work, Mr Johnson said they had the power to ban vending machines altogether.
The British Heart Foundation says a total ban on vending machines is the only way to prevent children accessing cigarettes. Vending machines are the source of cigarettes for nearly one in five young smokers aged 11 to 15 - some 46,000 children.
HAVE YOUR SAY Let's face it - illegal drugs flourish without advertising or display. This is government by pressure group
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A British Heart Foundation spokeswoman said: "When the government announces further steps on tobacco control we expect nothing less than a robust tobacco control plan which includes a total ban on cigarette vending machines.
"We are concerned about the large number of children being able to access cigarettes without a face to face transaction." The government had also considered banning all promotional material from tobacco packaging. But ministers say until there is enough evidence such a move would actually stop young people taking up smoking it will not introduce a ban.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/7771210.stm
Re: Ban on tobacco displays announced
Touted a while back and no great surprise. Buy tabs with me monkey porn in a brown paper bag from under the counter. Lovely.
Re: Ban on tobacco displays announced
The policy is lunacy its like saying if we hide the Jonnies then we can solve underage sex and pregnancies.
Re: Ban on tobacco displays announced
Quote:
Originally Posted by
4me2
The policy is lunacy its like saying if we hide the Jonnies then we can solve underage sex and pregnancies.
I thought you had realised by now that just about every ruling that is made is nothing short of idiotic, however the do-gooders have to come up with something to justify their ridiculously over inflated wage packet.
Re: Ban on tobacco displays announced
Isn't it nice, when every decision you would have to dwell on, is made for you. Welcome to the army.
I think all these should be hidden away, and to be sold only by giving the clerk the secret pasword, face to face, no chance of buying from the web either.
All porn material
Tobacco
Alcohol
Chocolate (all forms of candy)
Mc D and BK
oh and Irish pork
All pubs should be speakeasies.
http://www.aim-digest.com/gateway/pa...20ad%20ban.htm
Re: Ban on tobacco displays announced
I wonder what they will replace them with? Propaganda posters?
Re: Ban on tobacco displays announced
Even as a smoker, I can't see how this could be a bad idea. Maybe not the world's best, but still can't see any real problems with it.
Re: Ban on tobacco displays announced
To me it wont make any difference, you go into the corner shop for a paper and a packet of cigs, you know there are there so wont make a blind bit of difference