South Ayrshire Council News

Tobacco retailers and licensed premises are being reminded by South Ayrshire Council Trading Standards that from the 1st October 2007 it will become illegal to sell cigarettes or tobacco to anyone under 18.  The new law, which comes into force throughout the UK, means that shopkeepers will have to be extra vigilant in order that they do not commit an offence by selling to someone younger than 18.

This change in age limit from the previous limit of “16” has received cross party support in the Scottish Parliament.  It has been brought in as part of a raft of proposals to reduce smoking and in particular to cut the numbers of teenagers gaining access to tobacco products. 

Councillor Peter Convery, who is responsible for Trading Standards issues commented, “This change in the law has been brought in to reduce the access by young people to this dangerous and addictive substance.  Trading Standards Officers will be available to advise local businesses on the steps they can take to prevent themselves or their staff breaking the law.” 

Tobacco retailers throughout Scotland will receive information packs, outlining the changes and  containing training materials and legal notices which must be displayed, direct from the Scottish Government   Any trader who does not receive this pack can obtain one direct from the Trading Standards Office in Ayr or by calling staff on the number below.

David Thomson, Trading Standards Manager stated, “ We will be making sure that we provide as much help as possible to local traders to ensure they are aware of the changes and have the information needed to train their staff.  Copies of South Ayrshire’s Underage Sales packs will be distributed to traders during our inspections or can be obtained from our office.  This contains invaluable information on age limits for age-restricted products, staff training resources and point of sale materials for businesses.  There is also detailed guidance on acceptable proof of age such as the Young Scot Pass accredited card that is supported by the Council.”

Councillor Convery added,  “We expect traders to abide by this new age limit and we intend to conduct test-purchasing programmes in October to ensure that they do.  Our officers will visit premises using 15 and 16 year old volunteers who will attempt to purchase cigarettes in order to establish whether businesses are complying with the new age limit.  Anyone selling cigarettes to someone under 18 risks a fine of up to £2,500.”

Anyone requiring further information on the above legal changes should contact Trading Standards at 5-7 River Terrace, Ayr or by phone on 01292 616060 or by e-mail at Trading.Standards@south-ayrshire.gov.uk

Support for those already smoking or considering smoking is available from the NHS Ayrshire and Arran Fresh Air-shire Smoking and Prevention and Cessation Service.  This service provides a range of awareness and education programmes as well as help for young people who need support to help them quit.  For more information on this service contact the free phone advice line: 0800 783 9132.