McKee happy tobacco to be out of sight

Published on Tuesday 15 September 2009 09:45

THE move towards curtailing the promotion of tobacco products has been welcomed by a city MSP who is a former GP.

Dr Ian McKee said the publication of first stage of the Tobacco and Primary Medical Services Bill was a step in the right direction.

The Lothians MSP said the move to reduce the visual presence of cigarettes and their advertising would help improve the long-term health of the country.

"There is no doubt that visible cigarette advertising contributes to attracting teenagers to purchase tobacco products and this cannot go on," he said.

"Prevention is the key to leading a healthy life, and if we are able to prevent young people from taking up smoking we are half way there in improving the health of our nation.

"It's also time to say goodbye to cigarette vending machines which provide a backdoor route for young people to get a hold of cigarettes, and I am delighted that the majority of committee members also support this initiative.

"Smoking is the single biggest preventative cause of ill health and premature death in Scotland."