New Law Affecting Tobacco Sale to Teenagers

07 September 2007

A NEW law affecting the sale of tobacco to teenagers is being supported by Swindon Borough Council Trading Standards.

From October 1 it will be illegal for retailers to sell tobacco products to under-18s. Currently, the law allows retailers to sell to anyone aged 16 and above.

Changing the legal age follows the introduction of the Smoke Free legislation on July 1, and is aimed at reducing smoking rates among young people.

Cllr David Wren, Cabinet Member for Local Environment, said: "Raising the minimum age at which teenagers can be sold tobacco products will reduce the availability of cigarettes, and could therefore discourage young people from taking up smoking in the first place."

Retailers will risk prosecution and a fine of up to £2,500 if they are found selling tobacco products to under-18s. To help retailers understand the new legislation, Trading Standards will be carrying out visits to every Swindon retail shop selling tobacco. Advisory leaflets will also be issued.

Cllr Wren continued: "Trading Standards will help ensure that everyone knows what is expected of them when the law changes. Retailers will be the frontline defence against under-18s buying tobacco and these advisory visits will help them to do the job".

The government's Department of Health spearheaded a campaign for the new legislation.  Details of the campaign can be found at http://www.tobaccoagechange.co.uk.

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