High Profile Campaign Needed to Publicise Smoking Age Change
01 Jan 2007
Responding to the Government’s announcement that it is raising the age for the legal purchase of tobacco to 18 on the 1st October 2007, the Association of Convenience Stores (ACS) has called on the Government to invest heavily in educating consumers about the change through a high profile communication campaign.
ACS Chief Executive James Lowman said: “As a result of this change in the law many customers who were previously able to buy tobacco will now not be able to overnight and it is retailers who will be on the front line in enforcing the new age.”
He continued: “It is essential that there is a well funded and effectively targeted communications campaign to explain the change in the law and ensure that local retailers and their staff are not faced with abuse and intimidation from young customers. Before 1st October consumers must know that the age is changing, and it is the Government’s responsibility to ensure this happens.”
The change will bring the age to buy cigarettes in line with alcohol and ACS supports the No ID. No Sale and Challenge 21 messages as well as the Citizencard proof of age ID scheme to help retailers identify underage persons.
Contact:
Shane Brennan Government Relations Manager
01252 515001 / 07921 372978
Rachel Lawson Communications Co-ordinator
01252 515001
Notes to Editors:
1. ACS is the convenience store champion, helping local shops thrive through lobbying, insight, information and commercial service.
2. Research by Independent Retail News showed that 52% of local grocery stores were victims of crime in 2004 as a result of refusing an under-age sale.
ACS Chief Executive James Lowman said: “As a result of this change in the law many customers who were previously able to buy tobacco will now not be able to overnight and it is retailers who will be on the front line in enforcing the new age.”
He continued: “It is essential that there is a well funded and effectively targeted communications campaign to explain the change in the law and ensure that local retailers and their staff are not faced with abuse and intimidation from young customers. Before 1st October consumers must know that the age is changing, and it is the Government’s responsibility to ensure this happens.”
The change will bring the age to buy cigarettes in line with alcohol and ACS supports the No ID. No Sale and Challenge 21 messages as well as the Citizencard proof of age ID scheme to help retailers identify underage persons.
Contact:
Shane Brennan Government Relations Manager
01252 515001 / 07921 372978
Rachel Lawson Communications Co-ordinator
01252 515001
Notes to Editors:
1. ACS is the convenience store champion, helping local shops thrive through lobbying, insight, information and commercial service.
2. Research by Independent Retail News showed that 52% of local grocery stores were victims of crime in 2004 as a result of refusing an under-age sale.