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Grahame launches Tobacco Licensing Bill |
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Tuesday, 20 November 2007 |
Tobacco retailers should be licensed to considerably reduce the number of rogue traders selling cigarettes and other tobacco products to underage people according to SNP MSP Christine Grahame.
Grahame has launched a consultation on the issues around the licensing of tobacco retailers, ahead of a proposed Members Bill to the Scottish Parliament.
She said: “At present there is no effective deterrent for retailers who consistently sell cigarettes to those who are under-age. There is no licensing scheme to ensure that those who sell tobacco are aware of their responsibilities.
“My aim is to introduce a positive licensing scheme for the sale of tobacco which would address these issues. I don’t want to stop smokers getting cigarettes, but I do want the law properly upheld and enforced. At present that is not happening.
“The recent increase in age limit for buying tobacco rose from 16 to 18 but without real deterrents in place I doubt whether those retailers who previously sold cigarettes to underage people will be put off by that increase, welcome though it is.
“There is extensive international evidence drawn from research studies which show that age restriction laws can lead to a significant decline in the numbers of retailers selling cigarettes to underage people, but only when the law is fully implemented.
“My proposed bill seeks to ensure the law is applied properly. The consultation I have begun today gives an opportunity for all interested parties concerned about the health risks associated with smoking to have their voices heard within proposed new legislation.
“The time is right to introduce fresh legislation to ensure the law is properly enforced. The time is right for a tobacco licensing system.”
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