Imperial Tobacco loses fight to halt cigarette display ban in Scotland

Imperial Tobacco have failed in their bid to stop the Scottish Parliament banning the display of cigarettes in shops.

Lawyers acting for the company claimed the regulations on the sale of goods in Scotland were reserved to Westminster.

Yet today judge Lord Bracadale dismissed their case at the High Court in Edinburgh.

The legislation, set to come into force next autumn, will also see a ban on cigarette vending machines come into force across Scotland.

MSPs passed the Tobacco & Primary Medical Services (Scotland) Act in January this year which contained provisions to make it an offence to display tobacco products for sale and to make vending machines available for use.

Similar legislation is being introduced in England and Wales. Lord Bracadale was told it that it was the intention to bring the measures into force at the same time.