Advice on New Tobacco Display Rules on Offer to County Durham Retailers

Source from:  Northern Echo 02/12/2015

HELP is at hand for retailers getting to grips with the new rules on how tobacco is displayed.

From Monday, April 6, all businesses, including licenced bars, pubs and clubs, will no longer be allowed to publicly display tobacco products in their premises except in certain circumstances, such as when staff are serving customers or carrying out stock control or cleaning.

The ban previously only applied to larger retailers.

Individual traders will have to decide the best way to remove the products from public view but some options include covered displays and sliding doors.

To help small retailers follow the new rules, Durham County Council's consumer protection team has put together guidance which gives full details of the requirements online at durham.gov.uk/underagesales

The team is also offering free advice to any business owners who may not be sure how the changes affect them or how to comply.

Councillor Brian Stephens, cabinet member for neighbourhoods and local partnerships at Durham County Council, said: "Nearly 9,000 children in the north east start smoking every year and the average age is just 15."

"The end to tobacco displays has been brought in to protect young people who may be the target of tobacco promotion."

"Evidence shows children are more likely to smoke if they are exposed to tobacco displays in shops. Seeing these can also be hard for people trying to jk.tobaccochina.netquit smoking as well."

"As ever we are keen to support businesses to help them make sure they don't fall foul of this new law and to ensure that these important controls on the sale and promotion of tobacco are fully implemented." Enditem