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Tuesday, 13 October 2009

Cigarette machines could be banned

MPs have agreed to ban cigarette machines and tobacco displays in shops.

Anti-smoking and health campaigners are pleased, saying it has made the Health Bill "even stronger".

The Stormont Executive will follow the proposals.

The Northern Ireland Independent Retail Trade Association has reacted to the news.

They believe UK Ministers are planning the most costly and disruptive tobacco display ban of its type in the world.

Glyn Roberts, NIIRTA Chief Executive said: "The Minister has proposed regulations that are the most inflexible of their type anywhere in the world. It makes a mockery of the repeated reassurances that Ministers have made to Parliament and businesses that they will take a light touch approach to compliance."

The NIIRTA said the Government's official estimate is that the cost of compliance will be £1000 per store, although Ministers have repeatedly suggested to MPs and media that the cost would be much lower for smaller stores.

Mr Roberts added: "The technical challenges in fitting a solution to existing units that meet the Ministers' demands could be insurmountable. This would mean retailers having to rip out and replace existing units and the costs will be far higher than previously suggested."

Anti-smoking campaigners are welcoming the move.

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4 Comments

At 20:35 on 13 October 2009, MILO wrote:

Kevin and John are both correct, also what about the kids in the rear of a car and two selfish adults smoking in the front seats, should be a criminal offence for these ignorant people.

At 17:37 on 13 October 2009, Peter Walker wrote:

I think cigarettes should be put under the counter beside the marijuana cigarettes. how about that?

At 14:56 on 13 October 2009, John wrote:

Everybody has a choice and a human right as to whether they wish to but tobacco products or not. The Government were'nt complaining when they were raking in Billions from there sale, it's only now when they realise how much money they are paying into the NHS etc for smoke-related illnessess ie cancer that they're calling for the ban. 100% hypocrites. The power's the be want you to buy the cigarettes but not smoke them. When your going on holidays you can purchase duty-free tobacco onboard planes & ships but again you are not allowed to smoke them. Political correctness gone wrong.

At 12:18 on 13 October 2009, Kevin wrote:

Glyn Roberts seems more interested in shops having to spend a few quid than the health of the people. Banning cigarette dispalys in confectionery shops etc..should have happened many years ago. It's hard to believe that young children have been subjected to such blatant displays of advertising in shops for so long. A very welcome move and will be welcomed by 99% of the community