Along with other measures such as forcing cigarettes to be kept out of public view, banning branding and logos, the government is also considering a ban of cigarette vending machines.
Cigarettes are normally displayed on shelves at points of sale in corner shops, general stores and supermarkets, but could disappear from view in less than two years.
The new proposal also includes banning the sale of 10 packets. Pack sizes could also be restricted to a minimum of 20. Also, the retailers may also have to be licensed to sell tobacco and shops that flout the laws could face cautions and fines. The measures were included in an initial Cancer Reform Strategy, announced in December 2006.
The government is also working on new television campaign that is targeting parents who smoke. The campaign warns that the children of smokers are three times more likely to take up the habit than their non-smoking counterparts, BBC reports.
The new plan also suggests the introduction of plain packaging for cigarettes, which would carry only the product name in standard lettering. The anti-smoking group believes that banning brightly colored packets can also contribute to discourage smoking in youth.
