Vending machine ban in Scotland delayed

A ban on cigarette sales from vending machines in Scotland has been put back because of ongoing legal challenges, the Scottish Government has announced.

The ban was set to come in on 1 October, but due to two separate legal cases by tobacco firms, Sinclair Collis and Imperial Tobacco, arguing against the ban. A new date will be set in due course.

Public health minister Michael Matheson said: "Scotland needs decisive action to improve our health as a nation and discourage people from smoking.

"Evidence shows that many young people obtain cigarettes from vending machines, which is why we remain committed to banning cigarette sales from vending machines.

"This, alongside a comprehensive package of measures, will help dissuade a future generation of smokers.

"Two legal challenges against the vending machine sales ban have already been dismissed, however, in view of appeal proceedings, we feel it is prudent to defer the ban from the original implementation date to a date to be announced."

Patrick Browne, chief executive of the Scottish Beer and Pub Association, added: "This announcement will be welcomed by all those in the licensed trade operating cigarette vending machines.

"There was growing concern about the lack of any guidance from the Scottish Government as to how operators should comply with the terms of the vending machine ban, not least in light of the lack of clarity as to what the legislation actually meant.

"Deferring the ban to beyond 1 October will also ease the pressure on the trade which was facing having to implement the vending machine ban at the same time as it was legally obliged to introduce Challenge 25 for alcohol sales in Scotland.

"Doing both at the same time could have caused real problems."