ACS

ACS is calling on the Government to bring in new laws to ban adults from buying tobacco for children and also a new law to deter young people from trying to deceive and intimidate retailers into selling tobacco to them when underage.

ACS is backing amendments to the Criminal Justice and Immigration Bill that will be debated on Thursday 29th November. The proposed amendments would outlaw buying tobacco on behalf of an under 18 and would also prohibit attempting to buy tobacco when under age. This would bring tobacco into line with similar laws related to the buying and supplying of alcohol. ACS has called for cross party support and has written to Ministers and leading spokesmen for the opposition.

A recent NHS survey found that 76% of underage smokers had been given cigarettes, 57% were given them by friends, 12% by siblings and 7% by their parents. Breaking down the figures to those young people classified as regular smokers 40% regularly buy cigarettes from older people.

ACS Chief Executive James Lowman said: “Most people will be surprised to know that an adult that buys cigarettes from a shop and then walks outside and hands them over to a child is not breaking the law. We are calling on the Government to make these irresponsible actions illegal so as to punish and deter adults that encourage underage smoking.”

“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.”

ACS’ call comes as the Government introduces new legislation into Parliament on Thursday 29th November as part of the Criminal Justice and Immigration Bill that brings much stricter penalties for retailers found to have sold tobacco to young people on three occasions in a two year period. ACS argues that without serious action against those that supply underage smokers, the Government will not make a real difference.

Mr Lowman continued: “Retailers accept that to sell cigarettes they must comply with strict laws, and if they break those laws they face stiff penalties. However, sanctions against retailers alone are 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.”