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Age Increase from 16 to 18 years to buy tobacco On Monday 1st September 2008, the statutory minimum age for buying tobacco products including cigarettes, cigars, rolling or pipe tobacco and rolling papers, increased from 16 to 18 years old. These changes in the law apply to both over the counter and vending machine sales. It is now a criminal offence to sell tobacco products to anyone under the age of 18 years. Offenders may be fined up to a maximum of £2500 upon summary conviction. Both the retailer and/or the sales person can be prosecuted if they sell tobacco products to anyone less than 18 years of age. Cigarettes or tobacco products should only be sold to people who have identification proving they are over 18, such as a passport, driving licence, or proof of age card that carries the PASS hologram logo. 
Commenting on the new legislation, Alderman Paul Porter, Chairman of the Environmental Services Committee said: “There is clear evidence that the younger a person starts to smoke, the greater the risk of developing lung cancer, heart disease or a disabling respiratory illness. Someone who starts smoking at 15 is three times more likely to die from cancer due to smoking than someone who starts in their mid 20s. It is therefore essential that we protect the health and wellbeing of our young people by ensuring that they do not have access to tobacco products. “ The new legislation states that shops selling tobacco must display a warning notice: “It is illegal to sell tobacco products to anyone under the age of 18. All tobacco vending machines must also display a sign stating: This machine is only for the use of people aged 18 or over Failure to display the correct signage can result in a fine of up to £1,000.” Cigarettes must be sold in their original packs. If a trader opens a pack and sell cigarettes from it, to children or adults, they can be fined up to £1,000. The Council’s Environmental Health Service is continuing to enforce the law relating to the sale of tobacco products to underage customers. During this week the Council have been distributing information packs on the new legislation, which contains a display poster and an advice leaflet detailing the new requirements. Should you require an information pack or further guidance on this recent legislation please contact Lisburn City Council Environmental Health on 028 9250 9394, email ehealth@lisburn.gov.uk or log on lisburncity.gov.uk |
