Scottish Government Continues Quest For 'Smoke-Free Scotland'

On the first anniversary of raising the legal age to buy cigarettes, Public Health Minister Shona Robison pledged there will be no let-up in the Scottish Government's drive to make Scotland smoke-free.

Since October 1 last year, shopkeepers have been banned from selling cigarettes to under 18s. The move followed hard on the heels of Scotland's landmark decision to ban smoking in enclosed public places.

In a statement, Robison commented: "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.

"Raising the age for cigarette sales has sent out a clear message to young people about the risks associated with smoking.

"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."

Celebrating the anniversary, the Chief Executive of pressure group, ASH Scotland, Sheila Duffy, said that the increase in the legal age for buying cigarettes had been "an important step on the road to tackling youth smoking rates."

"As we continue to 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."

Scotland's Smoking Prevention Action Plan includes proposals to improve education on the risks of smoking, tackling smuggled and counterfeit cigarettes, restricting the display of cigarettes at points of sale, and using plain packaging for cigarettes.

(GK)