Cigarette machines to dispense snacks

Cigarette vending machines rendered redundant by the 2011 ban look set to be saved by being used as snack dispensers.

Snack importer Salysol GB has launched a range of products in cigarette packet sized containers that can dispensed from the machines.

Paul Beales, director of Salysol GB, and also licensee of the Butchers Arms in Cardiff, said the new snack range had been developed to help licensees avoid the cost of conversion.

"It means that all people will have to do is change the front panel of the machine they've paid anything up to £2000 for and it can still make money for them. Otherwise it would be null and void in two years," he said.

The machines were outlawed in the Health Bill in November, but the law will not be enforced until October 2011.

Pubs will still be allowed to sell cigarettes over the bar.

Salysol GB products include chocolate covered peanuts, cashews, pistachios and a mixed nut cocktail.

Visit www.salysol.co.uk​ for details.