Published on:
23
April 2013
Clackmannanshire and Stirling Trading Standards Service has issued a strong reminder to tobacco retailers that new laws banning the display of tobacco begins on 29th April 2013 for large retailers.
From the end of the month, tobacco products must be stored out of public sight except in limited circumstances. The size of each temporary display allowed must not exceed 1000 square centimetres. Self-service tobacco vending machine will also be banned from the same day.
Trading Standards is responsible for ensuring that all retailers comply with the new law when it comes into force.
Enterprise and Environment Convener, Councillor Donald Balsillie, stressing the warning to retailers, said: "Officers from Trading Standards will be visiting large retailers within Clackmannanshire once the tobacco display ban comes into force to ensure that the self service vending machine ban is being adhered to, and all other parts of the new law are being complied with.
"Failure to comply with the legislation, which includes the sale of tobacco products to persons under the age of 18 years, could result in the issuing of a fixed penalty notice."
Anyone caught flouting the legislation is liable to a fixed penalty of £200 for a first offence and for each additional offence committed in a two year period. Offences can also be reported to the Procurator Fiscal.
The definition of a large retailer is one with a floor area in excess of 280 square metres. Smaller retailers will be given until 6th April 2015 to fully comply with the new legislation.
If you sell tobacco products and would like further advice on either the tobacco display ban or the self-service vending machine ban you can contact Trading Standards on 01786 404040 or at tradingstandards@stirling.gov.uk
Anyone with information about a tobacco retailer in Clackmannanshire or Stirling selling an age restricted product to a person under the legal age, should report it using the same contact details.