Banning the display of cigarettes in shops, pubs, and restaurants came at the heels of the wholesale banning of smoking in public places implemented in July last year. On top of these, tighter control on vending machines in public is also being eyed.
The British health department is already consulting with industry players and experts and if the ministers were to approve the plan, the law could be enforced before the end of the year. If this happens, Britain will join Ontario, Canada and two Australian states to ban cigarette display.
At this early though, the Association of Convenience Stores is already dismissing the plan that it said it would be ineffective and problematic since forcing shops to hide their cigarettes would cause extra expenses for shop owners among other difficulties
Based on research, a person who starts smoking at the age of 15 is three times more likely to die of smoking-related cancer than someone who starts in his or her late 20s.
