Underage Sales

Protecting Young People from Tobacco

Tobacco image

Change to Law

Increased sanctions for illegal tobacco sales to young people

The Criminal Justice and Immigration Act 2008 becomes law on 1 April 2009.

If you know of shops who are selling cigarettes to under 18's please let us know by phoning 01962 833620 or emailing underage.sales@hants.gov.uk or text to 60003 starting your message HANTS UNDERAGE.

 

The Facts

Of the 150 local authorities with trading standards responsibilities 104 (69%) use volunteer young people to carry out test purchases of tobacco products.

In Hampshire our results have been:

Year Attempts Sales
2006/2007 31 attempts 5 sales (16%)
2007/2008 29 attempts 7 sales (24%)
2008/2009 40 attempts 10 sales (25%)

Shops were checked to see if they were displaying the warning notice

In Hampshire our results have been:

Year Checks Displaying? Percentage
2006/2007 685 checks 80 not displaying (11%)
2007/2008 410 checks 53 not displaying (13%)

We also check on compliance with the ban on Tobacco Advertising at Point of Sale and on the positioning and signage for cigarette vending machines.

What are we doing now:

  • continuing to carry out test purchases

  • actively seeking information from parents, schools, police, etc. as to which shops are selling to youngsters. Phone the hotline 01962 833620 or email underage.sales@hants.gov.uk or text to: 60003 starting message HANTS UNDERAGE

  • introducing a Responsible Retailer Scheme to encourage, promote & recognise good practice, with partners

  • publishing the results of our work

 

Notices

Statutory Tobacco Notice - This poster is a legal requirement and must be prominently displayed in the shop. It must be at least A3 in size with lettering not less than 36mm high and displayed in a prominent position clearly visible to customers and staff at the point of sale.

Tobacco Vending Machines


 

Tobacco Control - The Future

People have been asked for their views on new proposals to restrict tobacco advertising across the country. The Consultation process has now ended and a strategy is expected Spring 2009.  This may include a ban on retail display, a ban on tobacco vending machines, plain packaging and a ban on packs of 10.

 

Further Reading