Businesses warned over tobacco law change

5.56.16pm BST (GMT +0100) Mon 27th Aug 2007

Shops in the borough have been warned that they face tough penalties for selling tobacco to under-18s after the law changes later this year.

The minimum age at which a person can buy cigarettes will rise from 16 to 18 on October 1. Businesses must also display notices specifying the new age restrictions. If they flout the law by selling cigarettes to under-18s, they face fines of up to £2,500 and £1,000 for not displaying a notice. Trading Standards officers are reminding retailers about their legal responsibilities in a mailshot to all tobacco sellers. It will provide all the information needed to ensure they abide by the law. Officers will also be monitoring shops and businesses across the borough to ensure compliance.

Cllr Denise Carr, Richmond Council's Cabinet Member for Adult Services, Health and Housing, said this week: "The Council will be doing everything it can to ensure that shopowners are aware of the new law so that there is no excuse for breaking it. We wholeheartedly support the change as research shows that when people start smoking in their teens they find it very hard to give up. The legislation is intended to help protect young people from acquiring a lifelong habit. For the stark fact is that one in two lifelong smokers will be killed by their addiction. We would urge all businesses to ensure they are compliant with the law on the day it's introduced - October 1. However, if anyone wilfully ignores it we won't hesitate to prosecute and press for the toughest penalties."