Tobacco News and Interesting Information

LONDON (Thomson Financial) - The Department of Health said it has today launched a campaign to draw attention to new government legislation lifting the age at which young people can buy tobacco from 16 to 18 years of age.

From Oct 1 it will be illegal to sell cigarettes and other tobacco products to under 18s. The change follows the introduction of the smoking ban in England on July 1 and is aimed at reducing smoking prevalence among teenagers.

'Currently, half of all teenagers who smoke will die from diseases caused by tobacco if they continue to smoke throughout the course of their life,' said Dawn Primarolo, Minister for Public Health. 'Raising the minimum age at which teenagers can be sold tobacco products will reduce the availability of cigarettes, and could therefore discourage young people from taking up smoking in the first place.'

Under the changes in legislation, retailers face a 2,500 stg fine if they sell tobacco to under 18s.