Counter Measures

Image of Counter Measures front cover - a large cigarette gantry with two children looking up at it.

 

This report from ASH Scotland, funded by Cancer Research UK, describes the passage of 2010's Tobacco and Primary Medical Services (Scotland) Act.

The 2010 Tobacco Act, which focuses on youth smoking prevention, is the most significant legislative step towards reducing the harm caused by smoking in Scotland since the Smoking, Health and Social Care (Scotland) Act 2005 which made nearly all enclosed public spaces smoke-free.

The Act was strongly resisted by the tobacco industry as it passed through the Scottish Parliament. This report charts the Scottish experience, and the lessons learned in creating effective youth smoking prevention legislation.

 

 

Download the full report (pdf)

You might also be interested in reading two other reports by ASH Scotland, funded by CRUK, which deal with the passage and enactment of the Smoking, Health and Social Care (Scotland) Act 2005. 2005's Unwelcome Guest, and 2007's Smoke-free Success.

Measures contained within the 2010 Tobacco Act include:

  • a ban on the retail display of tobacco products
  • a ban on the sale of tobacco products through vending machines
  • the creation of a register for tobacco retailers, with penalties for selling tobacco without being registered
  • new offences for under 18s attempting to buy cigarettes and adults attempting to buy for those under 18
  • police officers have the power to confiscate tobacco products from under 18s
  • enforcement officers can issue fixed penalty fines for breaches of the law, and can seek tobacco sales banning orders (up to a maximum of 24 months) for persistent offenders.