Cigarette Vending Machines Banned from 1st October
From the 1st October 2011 sales of tobacco from vending machines will be banned. This means it will be illegal to sell cigarettes or any other form of tobacco from an automated vending machine regardless of the age of the person. It will also be against the law for such machines to display advertisements or tobacco promotion.
This action is part of the Government's commitment to reducing smoking prevalence and addresses the fact that 11% of 11-15 year olds who regularly smoke say they buy their cigarettes from vending machines. Business owners are responsible for ensuring no tobacco sales are made from vending machines on their premises otherwise they face a potential fine of up to £2500.
Frequently asked questions on this change in the law are answered on the Business Link website.
If you see a tobacco vending machine still in clear operation and accessible to the public after 1st October 2011, Kent Trading Standards would be very interested to know when and where. Please be assured that you can remain anonymous if you wish. Please contact us via Consumer Direct on 0808 156 2256 or visit www.tradingstandards.gov.uk/kent/youcanhelp.
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