5 June 2007

Media Release  

Rise in the age restriction for buying tobacco

It was announced today by Scottish Health Minister 
Shona Robison that from October 2007 the legal age for 
buying tobacco in Scotland will rise from 16 to 18.

Ministers already had the powers to increase the legal 
age, contained within the legislation which brought 
in Scotland's public smoking ban.

SCOTSS welcomed the change in the law, which brings
tobacco into line with the majority of other age restricted
products such as fireworks and alcohol.

Chairman David Thomson of South Ayrshire Council said:
'This is a sensible move which has the full support of
the trading standards professionals who will actually have
the job of enforcing the legislation.  This will make it
easier for us to do our job, and any change that might
make it harder for young people to acquire tobacco
products is to be welcomed.'

 
ENDS

Note to Editors

SCOTSS is the professional body which represents trading standards 
services in all 32 Scottish local authorities. It coordinates fair 
trading, safety and weights & measures issues across the country. 
As a section of the Trading Standards Institute its purpose is to 
promote excellence and enhance the professionalism of its members 
in support of informing consumers, encouraging honest businesses 
and targeting rogue traders.

Trading Standards Officers in Scottish local authorities are 
responsible for enforcing this area of law, which includes 
restrictions on other potentially harmful goods such as fireworks, 
solvents, and lighter refills.

SCOTSS spokespeople are available for interview; please contact 
Angela Blair, SCOTSS Coordinator  for further details

Angela Blair SCOTSS Coordinator
43 Clouston Street
Glasgow G20 8QP
Tel: 0141 946 4257
Mob: 07769 715243

angela.blair@scotss.org.uk