Tobacco law change delay

THE ban on displaying cigarettes in shops has been delayed by six months because of legal challenges.

The bill will now come into force in April 2012 for large retailers, with smaller businesses expected to follow three years later. That is in line with English proposals, and will give shops more time to prepare for the move aimed at cutting rates of youth smoking.

Although the plan was widely welcomed, tobacco companies attempted to challenge the legislation through the courts.

Public health minister Shona Robison said: "Banning tobacco displays in shops is an important step towards our vision of a smoke-free Scotland."