An article on BBC revealed that, the government are considering a ban on displaying cigarettes in shops.
The ban, under government plans being considered in England, is hoped to cut smoking and discourage children from starting. Tougher controls on vending machines in pubs and restaurants are also being discussed, and the public will be consulted on the proposals soon.
The smoking ban was understandable as it removes the possibility of passive smoking in the workplace, but a cigarette display ban is harder to understand.
Public Health Minister Dawn Primarolo said it was “vital” to teach children that “smoking is bad”.
“If that means stripping out vending machines or removing cigarettes from behind the counter, I’m willing to do that,” she said.
It is important to teach children that smoking damages you health, but the link between doing that and the removal of cigarettes from display is hard to see.
Blogger of the Confused Conservative said “If people want to smoke, are over the age of 18, they should be able to walk into a shop and purchase cigarettes. While perhaps putting them under the counter is would not require a huge amount of additional effort on the part of the smoker, it does seem that the government really is crossing the line”.
There is already an array of measures in place Cigarette advertising is already banned, the age limit has been increased to 18, there is additional tax payable, there is a smoking ban affecting many places, there are warning labels on packs of cigarette. Will this further measure really help? Is it necessary?
