HEALTH CAMPAIGNERS URGE MSPS TO BACK BAN.
SNP MSP Kenneth Gibson has welcomed support from the Scottish Government, health organisations and cross party MSPs for a ban on cigarette vending machines in Scotland.
Mr Gibson has received support from Public Health Minister Shona Robison who has confirmed that “further controls on the sale of tobacco from vending machines will be included in the provisions of the proposed Health (Scotland) Bill which is to be introduced in 2009.”
Mr Gibson, MSP for Cunninghame North, has also won cross party backing for a parliamentary motion calling for a ban on vending machines to control sale of cigarettes to under 18s. Organisations including ASH, the BMA, Asthma UK, Cancer Research and the Royal College of Physicians are contacting all MSPs urging them to back a ban (see attached letter).
In 2000 Kenneth Gibson lodged the first members bill to call for a ban on smoking in places where food is served – paving the way for the ban on smoking in public places.
Mr Gibson said:
"It may be getting more difficult for people under the legal age to buy cigarettes over the counter, but it is still easy to access them by using vending machines.
"With access, there follows temptation and then consumption. That is why a complete ban on these machines is necessary. Recent reports of continuing problems with youth smoking make this ban all the more important.
“I welcome the Scottish Government’s support for controls on sale the sale of tobacco from vending machines.
“I hope MSPs of all parties will listen to the message from the BMA, Asthma UK and other health campaigns and show their support for a ban on vending machines.
“We have raised the age for buying cigarettes and we are removing point-of-sale material in shops.
“It would be ridiculous to take these steps but leave young people with easy access to cigarettes from vending machines.
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