ACS

Displays of cigarettes in shops are set to become a thing of the past as part of the Scottish Government's continuing drive to stop smoking and make Scotland healthier.

Public Health Minister Shona Robison outlined the plans to the Scottish Parliament today as she unveiled ‘Scotland's future is smoke-free: A Smoking Prevention Action Plan’

Backed by £9 million over three years, the proposals - which take in plans to licence tobacco retailers and aim to discourage young people from smoking - include:

• Legislating to restrict the display of cigarettes and other tobacco products at points of sale.
• Updating statutory controls on the sale of tobacco products, with a view to introducing licensing and sanctions such as cautions and fixed penalty notices.
• Considering issues surrounding outlawing the sale of cigarettes in packs of 10 and further steps to reduce underage sales from vending machines.
• Introducing a scheme for councils to more vigorously enforce tobacco sales laws.
• Cracking down on smuggled and counterfeit cigarettes, in collaboration with Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs.
• Working with the UK Government and devolved administrations to consider using plain packaging for cigarettes.
• Stepping up education in schools and other settings to make clear the risks associated with smoking.

Ms Robison said: "Reducing the number of smokers in Scotland is a key part of our drive to turn the tide of Scotland's poor health record. We've already made great progress - spearheaded by the ban on smoking in public places - and must build on this.

"As well as encouraging existing smokers to kick the habit, it's crucial that we stop youngsters from starting. Today's action plan is specifically aimed at doing just that by making cigarettes and other tobacco products less accessible, less attractive and less affordable to them.

"I am aware that some people will be concerned about further statutory controls on the sale of cigarettes. However, I am in no doubt that the prominent display of cigarettes in shops undermines our efforts to shift cultural perceptions of smoking - as does the apparent ease with which cigarettes can be bought."

The action plan was developed in consultation with the Scottish Ministerial Working Group on Tobacco Control which is chaired by the Minister for Public Health and whose membership is drawn from a range of key interests.

The additional £9 million available for the implementation of the smoking prevention plan (£3 million for each of the next three years), will enable health boards and councils to take forward various aspects of the plan, including enforcement and developing initiatives aimed at young people.

To view the report click here.