Vending Machines Blog

Cigarette Vending Machine Ban

Cigarette vending machines in England, Northern Ireland and Wales are close to being banned, following recent legislation changes approved by MPs. While Scotland has their own bill regarding this situation, both systems share similarities in their details.

If passed, both intend to first remove cigarette machines from larger stores in 2011, while smaller shops will have until 2013; the decision to implement the changes so far in the future is a result of the current economic climate.

Although welcomed by many, this plan has faced opposition from the tobacco industry and some retailers, who deny the validity of the arguments against them and protest that it will result in substantial loss of sales.

Proposed by Ian McCartney, the former Labour minister, the ban on cigarette vending machines is largely a consequence of suggestions that they are partly responsible for the uptake of smoking by new generations. It is thought cigarette vending machines are too appealing and accessible for children and also help to normalise attitudes towards cigarettes and smoking through brand familiarity.

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