Tobacco Law change - Local shops need our support

Mike Penning calls for all parts of the community to support local shopkeepers when the legal age for buying tobacco increases to 18 on 1st October.

From the 1st October retailers will only be allowed to sell tobacco products to those over 18. Local MP, Mike Penning is stressing the importance of raising awareness of this age change.

Mike said:

“Preventing the underage sales of tobacco has to be a top priority. The increase in the age is likely to reduce the chances of young people being able to buy tobacco in the long term.

“However, the transition has to be managed, and key to that is awareness in the community that the law has changed. Refusing age restricted sales is already a major reason for retailers facing abuse, intimidation and violence. This is likely to increase on 1st October, when older people will be asked for ID and some young people can no longer buy tobacco. I ask the local community to support retailers at this time.”