Scotland: Cigarette Machine Sales
Source: Scottish GovernmentPublished Friday, 3 June, 2011 - 07:43
A ban on cigarette sales from vending machines has been deferred, the Scottish Government announced today.
A number of new measures, including a Scottish Tobacco Retailer Register and a ban on the display of tobacco in shops, are being introduced following the passage of the Tobacco and Primary Medical Services (Scotland) Act 2010.
A ban on sales of tobacco products from vending machines was to be implemented from October 1. However, due to the ongoing legal challenges, the Scottish Government has reluctantly come to the conclusion that it is no longer possible to introduce the ban on that day.
A new date for its introduction will be announced in due course.
Public Health Minister Michael Matheson said:
"Scotland needs decisive action to improve our health as a nation and discourage people from smoking. Evidence shows that many young people obtain cigarettes from vending machines, which is why we remain committed to banning cigarette sales from vending machines. This, alongside a comprehensive package of measures, will help dissuade a future generation of smokers.
"Two legal challenges against the vending machine sales ban have already been dismissed, however, in view of appeal proceedings, we feel it is prudent to defer the ban from the original implementation date to a date to be announced."
On May 13 2011 Lord Doherty dismissed a legal challenge to the ban on cigarette sales from vending machines by Sinclair Collis, a subsidiary of Imperial Tobacco. The indications are that this decision will be appealed. There is also a separate legal challenge to the ban by Imperial Tobacco. Lord Bracadale dismissed that petition on September 20, 2010. Imperial Tobacco have appealed against that decision and the appeal proceedings are currently before the Court of Session. The planned implementation date of October 1 is therefore being deferred. A new date for implementing the ban will be announced in due course. New advice on vending machine sales will be issued to businesses in due course on what will be required in order to comply with the new Tobacco Sales Register
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