The Government plans to ban cigarette vending machines from pubs in England from 1 October 2011. The ban will cost a huge £709m to the industry, smokers and the Government in lost revenue.
Although the industry in general objects to the ban on vending machines, a lead-in time of almost two years will be welcomed by pubs that are currently struggling in the recession.
Pubs will still be able to sell tobacco products from behind the bar. However, from 2013, displays can't be visible to the public.
Pub industry bodies such as the British Beer and Pub Association said that the measures are another unwarranted obstacle to already-beleaguered pub industry.
A spokesperson from the BBPA said: “It’s unnecessary, and will make life even more difficult for hard-pressed publicans. Vending machines are well supervised, and governed by a tough code. Publicans are well used to selling a product restricted by age, and don’t need further restrictions.”
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