Tobacco display ban enters force in small shops

The Tobacco and Primary Medical Services (Scotland) Act was passed by Holyrood in 2010, but its implementation was held up by legal challenges from Imperial Tobacco, who took their case to the Court of Session, the Inner House and the Supreme Court.

The display ban was finally introduced in large retailers and supermarkets from April 2013, but is only coming into effect in small shops and newsagents this month due to a planned staggered roll-out.

The legislation, like the extant advertising ban, is intended to reduce children and young people’s exposure to tobacco products. Shops can no longer openly advertise their range of cigarettes, cigars and rolling tobacco.