Tobacco licence system for Scotland

Pubs in Scotland wishing to sell cigarettes will have to apply for a licence under new proposals - and England is set to follow suit.

The proposals, which could become law by 2009, would also push sales under the counter with a possible ban on vending machines.

The tobacco licence could be revoked if sales to underage children are made.

Health secretary Alan Johnson praised the Scottish stance and is considering a similar package for England.

The Scottish proposals, backed by a £9m funding package over three years, include:

• A ban on the display of tobacco products at points of sale

• Introduction of licensing system with cautions, fixed penlaty notices and revocation for underage sales

• Ban on sales of packs of 10 cigarettes and further consultation on vending machine restrictions

• Greater council enforcement

• Crackdown on counterfeit and smuggled cigarettes

• Conideration for use of plain packaging on tobacco products

• Greater education

"I am aware that some people will be concerned about further statutory controls on the sale of cigarettes,"​ said public health minister Shona Robison.

"However, I am in no doubt that the prominent display of cigarettes in shops undermines our efforts to shift cultural perceptions of smoking - as does the apparent ease with which cigarettes can be bought.​

"Protecting young people from the impact of tobacco must be paramount and there are instances - and this is one - when the benefits to the health of the nation must take precedence."

Last bastion​

Sheila Duffy, chief executive of Ash Scotland, added: "Promotional displays in shops are one of the last bastions of tobacco marketing. ​

"We believe those selling tobacco should be licensed as for alcohol. With most underage smokers saying they buy their cigarettes from shops and only a handful of prosecutions each year, it's clear the current system isn't working.

"Licensed tobacco sales would deter those retailers who are prepared to sell tobacco to children, and would allow those touting fake and smuggled tobacco to be quickly stopped."