Increase in the Age of Sale for Tobacco Products

The TMA reminds retailers that the minimum age of sale for tobacco products is raised to 18 on 1 October. It is essential that retailers establish the age of prospective purchasers at the point‑of‑sale and it is for this reason the TMA supports CitizenCard, the UK’s largest proof‑of‑age scheme, and the No ID, No Sale campaign.

In the lead up to the age change No ID, No Sale packs have been distributed by representatives of our member companies (British American Tobacco, Gallaher Ltd and Imperial Tobacco Ltd) to tobacco retailers across the country. Retailers may also have received similar information from the Department of Health. We urge retailers to make use of the guidance provided in these packs and to ensure that they display the new statutory notice.

However, enforcing the legal age of sale in legitimate retail outlets is only one part of the problem of preventing young people from obtaining cigarettes. A recent survey (1) conducted by Trading Standards in the North West of England shows that the most common source of cigarettes obtained by young people are not retailers but rather the informal economy; ice cream vans, car boot sales or neighbours. Action must be taken to clamp down on these illegal sales routes.

The TMA believes that children should not smoke and that smoking is a matter of informed adult choice.

Notes to Editors

1. Smoking survey finds shocking results. Wigan Evening Post 18 September 2007

2. Further details of the campaigns mentioned above can be found on the following websites

• CitizenCard  – www.citizencard.com
• No ID, No Sale -  www.noidnosale.com
• Department of Health – www.tobaccoagechange.co.uk