13 September 2007
ASH Scotland today [Thursday] welcomed the Scottish Parliament’s vote to increase the minimum age of tobacco sales rising from 16 to 18 but expressed concern that effective enforcement and a licensing scheme were necessary if the move was really to tackle teen smoking in Scotland. ASH Scotland Chief Executive Maureen Moore OBE commented:
“ASH Scotland congratulates MSPs today on voting for the minimum purchase age for tobacco rising to the same as that for alcohol. However we also back the calls of MSPs for further resources to be put into the enforcement of the law so it can be effectively implemented and help to tackle teenage smoking in Scotland.
“Scotland has the highest rate of young smokers in Britain so teenage smoking is definitely an issue that needs to be tackled. There is solid evidence that an age restriction law can lead to a significant decline in the numbers of retailers selling cigarettes to those underage. However only if it is effectively implemented.
“The current age restrictions are not being upheld. 82% of 15 year old and 47% of 13 year old smokers regularly buy their cigarettes from shops. It is clear therefore, that adequate resources must be made available so Trading Standards Officers are able to fully support and enforce the law. The Public Health Minister Shona Robison has said she hopes more money will be made available to Trading Standards Officers following the current Comprehensive Spending Review – but there is no guarantee. However as well as the resources to tackle retailers who sell to those underage, Trading Standards Officers need to have effective enforcement tools as well. That is why a tobacco licensing scheme is necessary for Scotland.
“A licensing scheme could be used as both an active deterrent and to penalise persistent offenders. Retailers who consistently sell cigarettes to anyone under age would not only face fines, but could also have their license suspended and ultimately revoked for repeated violation. Licensing would be cheaper and quicker than the current costly court system which led to only eleven court prosecutions in 2006/07.
“The sale of alcohol is licensed as a measure to protect public health and keep children from harm. Whilst tobacco kills 13,500 Scots each year, and whilst evidence shows the younger you start smoking, the more harm is done to your health and the harder it is to quit, it is obvious tobacco is also a major public health issue and should be licensed.“
ENDS
For further information please contact Jeanette Campbell, 0777 614 2299
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