Smokers aged 16 and 17 face clash with the law
20 September 2007
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| Hannah Sheppard and Hayley Moat |
A change in the law, raising the legal age for buying cigarettes from 16 to 18, looks likely to take many people by surprise.
From October 1, it will be illegal to sell tobacco products to anyone under 18.
But unlike July's widely publicised ban on smoking in enclosed places like pubs, many people seemed unaware of the latest move, in an informal survey by the Herald.
Herts Trading Standards is issuing advice to shops in readiness for the change. They face a fine of up to £2,500 if caught breaking the law.
Trading Standards recommend shops only accept three types of identification - a passport, a photo driving licence, or a proof of age card with a PASS hologram.
And they suggest following the "Think 21" policy used for alcohol sales.
Keith Emsall, executive member for community safety and culture, said: "We wholeheartedly support this change in the law if it helps prevent young adults from becoming addicted to tobacco and facing the consequences for their health later in life."
Any business that has not received this information can download it from www.tobaccoagechange.co.uk or contact Trading Standards on 01727 813849.
The change of law is designed to cut the number of young people taking up smoking in the first place. Research shows most smokers take up the habit in their teens.
- The change in the law will hit many 16 and 17-year-olds - who can currently buy cigarettes quite legally.
From October 1 they'll have a stark choice - quit smoking or break the law.
- Is this fair on young smokers, or is it a good way to encourage them to kick the habit?
- Are you a smoker who will be caught out by the change? What will you do from October 1?
- Should shopkeepers be put in the front line of this latest move in the war against smoking?
Share your views with Herald readers. Write to The East Herts Herald, 31a Howardsgate, WGC, AL8 6AP. Email herald.news@archant.co.uk
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