September 2007 News
Tobacco Law Change
The legal age to buy tobacco is set to increase from 16 to 18 on 1 October 2007. The new law will mean retailers will face a fine of up to £2,500 for selling cigarettes, cigars, loose rolling tobacco or rolling papers to anyone under the age of 18.
Display proper signage
Failing to display proper signage, stating that it is illegal to sell tobacco products to anyone under the age of 18 may also result in a fine of £1,000. The change applies to over the counter (e.g. shops, off-licences, petrol stations) and vending machine sales. Hackney Trading Standards will be enforcing the new law by carrying out test purchases from 1 October.
Cllr Nargis Khan, Cabinet Member for Community Services said: “This new law is a positive move to reduce the number of young people who take up smoking in Hackney. Someone who starts smoking at 15 is three times more likely to die from cancer than someone who starts smoking in their mid-20s. Smoking currently kills more than 500 people every year in Hackney and the City.
“Well over a third (37%) of residents in Hackney and the City smoke. This is more that the average for the whole of England (27%) and needs to be cut drastically. Considering one in two lifelong smokers will be killed by their addiction, it is very important that young people know the risks and know where to go for support if they already smoke but would like to quit. Retailers should be aware that the new law will be strongly enforced from 1 October.”
Information for retailers
Information for retailers is available by contacting the Hackney Smokefree Team on 020 8356 4905 or visiting www.tobaccoagechange.co.uk. Young people can find out how the new legislation affects them at www.tobacco18.co.uk.
Information for Teenagers
Teenagers who already smoke can get advice from Ready Steady Quit, Hackney’s Stop Smoking Services on 0800 169 1943 or by visiting the website at www.rsq.org.uk.
Advice for young looking over 18s
Over 18s who smoke but look younger than their age are being advised to carry valid photographic ID, such as a passport, photograph drivers licence, Citizencard, Portman `Prove It’ card, or Validate card. Information on how to get valid ID is also on www.tobacco18.co.uk.
Page updated: 31 Aug 2007