Cigarette law could mean heavy fine or jail

By April 6, it will be illegal for shops to display cigarettes and tobacco.

West Yorkshire Trading Standards is urging those who sell these products to take action now or face the force of the law.

Shop managers or assistant found guilty of these offences may receive, if convitced, a maximum fine of £5000 or imprisonment for up to 6 months – or both.

They c ould also end up in prison for two year, a fine, or both.

Not only will this law change affect the display of tobacco products it also changes the way in which tobacco products must be priced.

The Display Ban legislation permits only three types of price lists and labels for tobacco products.

It sets out that each of these must only use black Helvetica plain font, which is the same size throughout the list, with no underlining, italics or other distinguishing emphasis.

Retailers must still ensure they comply with Price Marking Order Regulations

This requires the price of goods to be clearly displayed in-store.

David Lodge, head of West Yorkshire Trading Standards, said: “Larger retailers have had to comply with the same change to the law since 2012.”