17/03/2009 - More time to move cigarettes displays
Scotland's public health minister has said that the country's smaller shops will be given more time to introduce the ban on the display of cigarettes.
The measure is part of new Scottish government legislation which is currently being pushed through Holyrood.
Shona Robison is expected to tell the National Federation of Retail Newsagents conference that smaller retailers will have an additional two years to implement the ban in a bid to minimise the impact.
Ms Robison said: "Point of sale marketing is a powerful tool - particularly among young people.
"I believe it's inappropriate for cigarettes to be promoted in this way and our Bill proposes banning their display at point of sale."
The Tobacco and Primary Medical Services (Scotland) Bill is expected to complete its passage through the Scottish Parliament by the end of this year. Then large retailers will then have until 2011 to implement the display ban while small retailers will have until 2013.
The Bill also includes plans for a national tobacco sales register and people found selling tobacco illegally will be given a maximum penalty of £20,000 or six months in prison.
Copyright © Press Association 2009
Related links
|
