The change in the age of sale for tobacco products is an important step in trying to reduce the number of people exposed to smoking related diseases. Most addicted adult smokers began smoking as teenagers. This change in law is to help prevent children and young people from starting to smoke therefore avoiding the serious health dangers of smoking.

For those who do not comply, there is a fine of up to £2,500.

The following guidance sheet has been hand delivered to traders by an officer from Trading Standards across the County. Particular focus has been put on retailers located near to schools and areas where young people congregate. For further information please visit a dedicated web site www.tobaccoagechange.co.uk or Trading Standards, details shown at the end of this article.

From 1^st October 2007, the legal age of sale of tobacco increases from 16 to 18 years.

Shops located close to schools and colleges should be extra vigilant. Previously youths aged 16 or 17 in school uniform would have been able to buy cigarettes, whereas from October 1^st they will be unable to do so.

When considering if a person is legally able to buy cigarettes, it is good practice to operate a “Challenge 21” policy, whereby anyone who looks under 21 is asked for ID to prove their age. If they cannot provide any, refuse the sale.

Give advice to your staff about asking for proof of age cards and what forms of ID are acceptable – such as PASS cards, passports or photo driving licences. Train all of your staff now on the change in law and on how to question & refuse sales if necessary. Keep a record of who has been trained, by whom and on what date.

Implement a refusals register for tobacco sales, noting down the date, time, reason for refusal & a brief description of the person attempting to buy the goods.

Establishments who operate vending machines should be extra vigilant. These will be increasingly popular with youths no longer able to purchase cigarettes over the counter. Vending machines should always be situated in a monitored and supervised area, so that staff are able to prevent misuse. We recommend that one person is nominated to monitor such machines during trading hours.

The law requires that an “age of sale” warning notice is displayed in-store. If you sell tobacco products you are required by law to display a sign at least A3 in size (420 x 297mm), with letters at least 36mm in height, that says: 'It is illegal to sell tobacco products to anyone under the age of 18'. No other form of wording is permitted. The sign should be positioned at the point of sale or in a prominent position where those wishing to buy tobacco can see it.

Selling tobacco to someone younger than 18 could result in a fine of up to £2,500. Failure to display the correct statutory notice can lead to a fine of up to £1000.

For further information please contact Trading Standards on 01426 414040, or e-mail tradingstandards@warwickshire.gov.uk A dedicated website

has been launched to guide retailers through the changes

in legislation at: www.tobaccoagechange.co.uk

Locally your Community Safety Team at Nuneaton & Bedworth Borough Council would be happy to deal with any enquiries - Telephone (024) 76376322

Tuesday 07 October 2008