UK: New Tobacco Rules Come into Effect Soon

Source from:  South Wales  11/22/2012

IN just under two weeks the displaying of tobacco in supermarkets and large shops in Wales will be banned.

From Monday, December 3, large retailers will no longer be able to have cigarettes and other tobacco products on display, except when staff are serving customers and carrying out tasks such as restocking.

Tobacco price lists will also look different.

A plain A3 price list with no tobacco branding can be shown at the point of sale, with an illustrated price list available to customers on request. Customers may be asked for proof of age before being shown the illustrated list.

The law will extend to smaller shops in April 2015.

Non-compliance is a criminal offence with a possible fine of up to £5,000 or two years in prison.

Health Minister Lesley Griffiths said: "Our aim is to reduce smoking levels in Wales to 16 per cent by 2020, with an ultimate vision of a smoke-free society in which the harm from tobacco is completely eradicated." Enditem