Cig machines to be banned from October 2011

Cigarette vending machines will be banned from October 2011, but pubs will still be allowed to sell cigarettes over the bar.

The government's Health Bill, containing powers for the ban, became law yesterday - but the machines will not be outlawed for another two years.

Health Secretary Andy Burnham said: "The new laws passed will help to prevent ill health caused by tobacco, give patients more choice and greater control over the care they receive and drive up the quality of care - helping the NHS go from good to great."

A spokesman for the Department of Health confirmed that pubs will still be able to stock and sell cigarettes over the bar "as long as they comply with the law on tobacco sales".

But the British Beer & Pub Association hit out at the move. A spokesman said: "A delay in implementation won't be a comfort to customers or publicans when it does happen.

"The ban was unnecessary, and it means that pubs will have to withdraw a service valued by many customers. This is not welcome, given the pressures the industry faces."