ACS

Speaking at a Local Government Association meeting today, ACS Public Affairs Director Shane Brennan spoke about the need for a well co-ordinated enforcement approach to tobacco control.

He said: ‘We need a tobacco policy that presses all the levers involved in young people taking up smoking. We need to introduce a ban on proxy purchasing to deter adults that introduce smoking to young people.

“We also need a proper budget to tackle the illegal market that is rife in communities. Research shows that the illicit market is the main route of supply for the most disadvantaged communities. If Government is serious about tackling health inequalities, tackling the illicit trade should be their priority.”

There are currently no tobacco proxy purchasing laws in England, although a Bill is currently going through in Scotland which will see tobacco proxy purchasing given similar punishments as buying alcohol for minors. The proposed tobacco display ban has been given the Royal Assent, and is likely to be enforced between 2011 and 2013, depending on the size of the store.