Guernsey Press

Retailers unhappy at tobacco law red tape

A TOBACCO licensing regime and tough new laws on cigarettes have been labelled 'bureaucracy for bureaucracy's sake' by retailers, who have expressed doubt as to whether the measures would reduce under-age smoking.

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Scott Cockburn, pictured, who co-owns both the Paperbox and Candy Shop in Town, is among those to question whether the new system would deliver its original objectives and warned of the impact of the new rules being introduced by Health and Social Services.

He also warned that a ban on under-18s selling tobacco products could result in job losses for part-time teenage employees, although HSSD has amended its rules to allow sales under adult supervision.

Other measures, set to come into force later next year, include making it an offence to display tobacco products, advertise them and price displays, but Mr Cockburn was not convinced the legislation would prevent under-age smoking.

'We are doubtful whether it will make a difference,' he said.

'Whether you are an adult or someone under 18, you will decide you are going to buy cigarettes today, you make that decision for whatever reason and walk into the shop to buy them.

'I don't think it will make a difference to people's behaviour. But at the same time, it is going to cause a lot of inconvenience and have a negative effect.'

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