The Law for Selling Tobacco is Changing

Reporter: Ask Bury
Date online: 06 September 2007

As tobacco sellers across the country are gearing up for the forthcoming raise in the age limit for selling smoking products from 16 to 18, Bury Council’s trading standards department has revealed its own plans to make sure retailers stay within the law.

The council’s head of trading standards, Peter Jagger said; "We understand that initially there may be some confusion, especially where a shop may quite legally sell to a 16 or 17 year-old on 30 September but will be breaking the law if they do so the next day. Also, some people do not realise the law relates to all tobacco products, not just cigarettes and tobacco itself, so the ban includes cigarette papers as well.

"We are undertaking an information campaign for an initial period where we will send out mail shots, and visit premises, but after that we will be engaging in a full scale enforcement initiative, using underage children to conduct test purchases.  We will be urging all retailers to insist on asking to see a recognised proof of age card, such as those with the "PASS" hologram, or a photo driving licence, before selling tobacco to young people.  In turn, young people should expect to be asked for proof of age, and to be refused if they cannot prove that they are over18.

"If necessary we will not shy away from prosecuting offenders."

The shift in age comes after the passing of The Health Act in 2006, and comes into effect from October 1. All the current regulation regarding the sale of tobacco product will remain the same except for the age. It requires that any premises selling the products display signs showing the age restrictions.

Selling tobacco products to someone under the legal age could result in a fine of up to £2,500. Failing to display the statutory notice could result in a fine of up to £1,000. This applies both to over the counter and vending machine sales.

Bury Council’s executive member for Safe and Secure Communities, Councillor Michelle Wiseman said; "From recent prosecutions we’ve taken out over issues like under-age alcohol sales, and parents failing to send their children to school, people should be getting the message that Bury Council will not sit back and let irresponsible and criminal behaviour blight the lives of our residents. If tobacco sellers do not abide by the law, we will prosecute them."

Anyone wanting further information should click on http://www.tobaccoagechange.co.uk tobaccoagechange.co.uk