| The age for buying tobacco was raised from 16 to 18 across Scotland on October 1 last year in an attempt to stub out the habit among young people.
At the time, some shopkeepers feared they would become the butt of young smokers’ frustration.
The Scottish Grocers’ Federation also worried that small newsagents could be put out of business by the fines for breaching the legislation, which can be as high as £2500.
But speaking on the anniversary of the legislation, SGF chief executive John Drummond, a former Dundee business figure, said it had been a “fairly smooth” transition.
“We thought there might be some reaction from 17-year-olds who were allowed to buy cigarettes previously,” he said. “But by and large it was a fairly smooth transition. That was probably because we put our own notices up to help people acclimatise.”
Mr Drummond said the SGF still have concerns that it was not an offence for someone under 18 to try and purchase tobacco, as is the case for alcohol.
Dundee shopkeeper Mohammed Issa, of the 1stStop2Shop store in Fintry Drive, echoed this viewpoint.
“I feel if someone tries to buy tobacco when they know they are too young they should be held legally responsible — not the shopkeeper,” he said.
“But I do support the legislation and believe it will help the government achieve its aims in regards to cigarettes.”
Public Health Minister Shona Robison, MSP for Dundee East, said today raising the age for tobacco sales was just the first of many anti-smoking initiatives.
“We’re determined to do all we can to improve the nation’s health and cutting smoking levels is one of the most important steps we can take,” she said.
“I know that young people themselves were supportive of our plans to raise the age and I hope that statistics will show that fewer young people are now starting smoking.”
Ms Robison said future plans included restricting shop displays of cigarettes.
The anniversary was also welcomed by Sheila Duffy, chief executive of anti-smoking charity ASH Scotland.
“Last year ASH Scotland welcomed this measure as an important step on the road to tackling youth smoking rates,” she said. “It has since been followed up by an ambitious blueprint for concerted action to prevent children from taking up smoking.
“As we move towards a smoke-free future, I look forward to working with children and young people to engage their creative energies in the vital task of youth smoking prevention.” |
