DCC to clamp down on fags

The authority has announced details of new legislation which will make it illegal to display tobacco products in large shops, except to people over the age of 18 in limited circumstances set out in the law.

The new legislation kicked in on Hallowe’en for shops, other than specialist or bulk tobacconists, with a relevant floor area exceeding 280 square metres.

All other shops and businesses selling tobacco products (including bulk and specialist tobacconists) will have to comply with the new law from April 6, 2015. Derry City council is to act as the enforcer.

Jane Gourley, Derry City Council’s Tobacco Control Officer said: “The removal of permanent tobacco displays is another measure to help reduce smoking uptake by young people and to support the many adult smokers who want to quit.

“The change in the law in relation to price lists will help to ensure that price lists and labels cannot be exploited as forms of tobacco promotion. Initially this legislation will only affect a small number of the larger premises within the Council area, but it will be rolled out in its entirety in 2015.”

Temporary display of tobacco products is permitted under the law, in a limited number of circumstances.

These include requests to buy or see tobacco products by customers over 18 years of age. In addition, incidental displays, such as may occur while staff are restocking or cleaning storage units, will be allowed.

Non compliance with the new law is a criminal offence. Any person, including shop managers and shop assistants, found guilty of these offences is liable on conviction in a court to a fine or imprisonment.