A new drive intended to limit underage cigarette sales to children is being launched today by the Scottish Government. The initiative aims to deliver better partnership working between customs, trading standards, and the Government to make sure young people in Scotland don’t have access to tobacco underage.
ASH Scotland’s Chief Executive, Sheila Duffy, welcomed the plan:
“This new initiative is welcome. For all the progress we’ve made in recent years, Scotland still has high rates of youth smoking compared to the rest of the UK. If we want to make a difference here, we need to remind retailers of the law, deter rogue shopkeepers from selling to kids through tough enforcement, and clamp down on illegal cigarettes sold on street corners.
“All of this action must be well communicated, coordinated, and funded. This drive is good news for Scotland’s health.”
ENDS
Sheila Duffy is available for interview. For further information please contact Rory Morrison, ASH Scotland on 0131 220 9469 or 07776 142 299.
ASH Scotland is the leading voluntary organisation campaigning for effective measures to protect people from the harmful effects of tobacco. ASH Scotland is a registered Scottish charity (SC 010412).