Display ban 'will cut child smoker rates'

Published on Wednesday 23 September 2009 09:45

BRINGING an end to the display in shops of cigarettes will help cut childhood smoking rates, the Scottish Government has said.

Speaking ahead of the debate on the Tobacco and Primary Medical Services Bill, public health minister Shona Robison urged MSPs to back a series of radical proposals such as banning the display of tobacco products in shops, outlawing cigarette machines and introducing fixed penalty notices to those who sell cigarettes to under-18s.

Ms Robison said: "Too many Scots have watched loved ones die prematurely from smoking-related illnesses. We're determined to do all we can to end this misery and, particularly, to stop children and young people from starting to smoke. I believe our proposals will help us do that."