Cigarette Vending Machines
From the 1st October 2011 there has been a change in the law in regards with the sale of tobacco through vending machines. Businesses that have previously sold tobacco through vending machines now need to be aware that as of this date, tobacco products are no longer allowed to be sold from vending machines in England.
As a part of the new tobacco control plan: Healthy Lives, Healthy People it was agreed that as vending machines are self-service, they offer young
people easy and poorly supervised access to cigarettes. By ending this source of tobacco it will reduce the number of people taking up smoking as well as extending a supportive environment for adult smokers who are trying to quit.
Businesses that continue to sell tobacco in this way will be committing a criminal offence and may be given a fixed penalty charge up to £2,500. If a business still wishes to sell tobacco in their premises, they may do so but from behind a bar or counter not a vending machine. If they decide to sell tobacco in this manner, they will be required to display an A3 statutory tobacco notice and are reminded that it is a criminal offence to sell tobacco to a person under the age of 18.
Businesses wishing for support in Smokefree Legislation can request a FREE copy of the Smokefree Lincs Alliance Workplace Toolkit.
To receive a kit please contact us on: 01522 550544 or via email on: smokefreelincs@lincolnshire.gov.uk
