News

| Submit CommentSubmit Comments | View CommentsView Comments(2)

advertisement

Shopkeepers predict ciggy troubles ahead

Ian Ogden
28/ 9/2007

LOCAL shopkeepers are being warned not to get their fingers burned when new tobacco laws come into force.


From Monday, under-18s will not be allowed to buy cigarettes and traders face fines of up to £2,500 if they are caught selling to minors.
There are also fines of up to £1,000 for not displaying government-issued signs.


Councillor Alan Taylor, leader of Rochdale Council – a former 60-a-day man – promised that trading standards officers will take a hard line with retailers caught flouting the law.


“Smoking is dangerous at any age, but research shows that the younger you start, the more damage can be done – and the more likely you are to die from a smoking-related illness,” he said.


But local shopkeepers predict trouble, particularly from youngsters aged 17 and 18, who have been smoking legally for 12 months.
Pat Cunningham, owner of Drake Street News, said: “I expect a lot of hassle.


“We all know what teenagers are like and when they have been on the right side of the law and smoking for up to a year, they are not going to take kindly to this new legislation.


“And the bottom line is that it is the poor old shopkeeper, not the council officers or the police, who will get it in the neck.


“I am willing to predict that if the kids cannot get the fags from shops that follow the law, they will get them somewhere else.


“No-one has been able to stamp out underage drinking and it will, unfortunately, be the same with cigarettes.”


In the early days of the new legislation, trading standards officers say they will carry out spot checks on shopkeepers, making sure retailers check proof of age before selling.


| Submit CommentSubmit Comments | View CommentsView Comments(2)


Most recent 2 of 2 user comments

   I fully support the new laws,but I would like to see more tax put on tobacco. The fines should be higher and shops stopped from selling tobacco if they break the law. There is no point in having such laws unless we enforce it. Also there should be more support for people to stop smoking.
The Evangelist, Rochdale
29/09/2007 at 20:28
   strange one that. im neutral on this but i find government very TWO FACED when you deemed old enough to go to war but not to buy packet of fags
F.A.B, ROCHDALE
29/09/2007 at 16:48
Have your say
 
Have your say Got an opinion you want to share?
Register now and have your comments heard.

Register now

Latest stories
 

 
Personal Finance
 

Customers with a 'good' credit profile
Company Typical APR
Platinum Exclusive Loan 7.8%
Bank of Scotland (Semi-exclusive) 8.6%
Halifax (Semi-exclusive) 8.6%
Alliance & Leicester 8.7%
Sainsbury's Personal Loan 8.9%
HASH(0x2ba4ba3823b0)
Provider AER*
ICICI BANK
HiSAVE Savings Account 		5.50%
SAINSBURYS FINANCE
Internet Saver 		4.00%
FIRST DIRECT
Everyday e-Saver 		2.75%
ALLIANCE & LEICESTER
Online Tracker 		6.00%
ABBEY
Instant Access Saver (Special Issue 2) 		6.00%
ING DIRECT
Savings Account 		6.00%
ALLIANCE & LEICESTER
eSaver - Issue 2 		6.30%
ABBEY
eSaver Direct 		6.00%
POST OFFICE
Instant Saver 		3.75%
Fees may apply