A new law banning the sale of cigarettes from vending machines in Wales has come into force.
The move is part of the Welsh Government’s efforts to safeguard young people and children from the harmful effects of smoking.
Although tobacco vending machines account for only 1% of the UK market in tobacco sales, the Welsh Government has said a disproportionate number of young people under 18 purchase cigarettes from vending machines. Ten percent of regular smokers aged 11 to 15 report that cigarette vending machines are their usual source of tobacco.
From Wednesday February 1 2012, it is illegal to sell any tobacco product from a vending machine to anyone, regardless of their age. In addition, while the machines themselves can remain on site, all tobacco advertisements on the vending machines need to be removed or covered up so that they are no longer visible.
Advice has been issued to businesses affected to ensure they are aware of what is required of them and the penalties they could face if they do not comply.
Caerphilly AM Jeff Cuthbert has welcomed the ban.
He said: “Banning the sale of cigarettes via vending machines will go a long way to safeguarding under 18s from becoming addicted to smoking.
“It has become an easy way for youngsters to get hold of cigarettes especially where machines are unsupervised in pubs and other businesses.”
Also welcoming the ban, Steve Whitehouse, Chair of Wales Heads of Trading Standards said: “Across Wales, we have seen more than half (59%) of trading standards test purchases with young volunteers result in underage sales from vending machines. Banning sales of tobacco from vending machines is a step in the right direction to reducing smoking addiction in childhood and improving the public health of our communities. Trading Standards in Wales will be working closely with businesses to help them comply with this new legislation.”
Health Minister Lesley Griffiths said: “Vending machines are an easy way for under 18s to buy cigarettes, especially where the machines are unsupervised.
“Making cigarettes less accessible is one way of discouraging children from taking up smoking in the first place. It will also support the efforts of the many adults in Wales who try to quit smoking each year.”
Local Trading Standards Officers will be enforcing the ban in Wales. If a business is found to be selling cigarettes to the public directly from a vending machine, it could be fined up to £2,500.
If any vending machine still displays tobacco advertising, the business could be fined up to £5,000 and the owner could face up to two years in prison.