ACS Call to Arms Over Underage Tobacco Sales

Source from:  talkingretail.com Association of Convenience Stores  11/28/2007

The Association of Convenience Stores is calling for ministers to back amendments that would outlaw buying tobacco on behalf of an under 18 and would also prohibit attempting to buy tobacco when under age. The ACS' call comes as the Government introduces new legislation into Parliament this week as part of the Criminal Justice and Immigration Bill. The bill looks to bring much stricter penalties for retailers found to have sold tobacco to young people on three occasions in a two year period. However, ACS chief executive James Lowman argued that serious action needs to be take against those that supply underage smokers and youngsters themselves. Lowman maintained that sanctions against retailers alone were simply not enough. "This Government must also deter young smokers from trying to buy, and take strong action against those that supply tobacco to under-18s. It's not only fair; it is the only way to challenge the attitudes of young people," he said. "We also believe that it should be illegal for a young person to attempt to deceive or intimidate a retailer into selling them tobacco products. Young people should know that what they are doing is wrong and that it won't be tolerated." Enditem