UK bans tobacco displays in large shops

The UK health officials have banned tobacco displays in large shops and supermarkets in an attempt to discourage young people from smoking. The new rule which came to force on Friday applies to shops covering more than 280 square meters while smaller stores are exempt from the ban until 2015. According to the new law, all tobacco products must be kept out of sight except when staff are serving customers or restocking. Otherwise those in charge may face a fine up to £5,000 ($7,930) or even imprisonment. “It's about supporting smokers who want to give up," said British Health Secretary Andrew Lansley. “We no longer see smoking as a part of life.” UK Health Minister Anne Milton highlighted that implementing the new law reduces young people’s affinity toward smoking as well as adults who mostly became a smoker in younger ages. “We cannot ignore the fact that young people are recruited into smoking by colorful, eye-catching, cigarette displays,” Milton said. “Most adult smokers started smoking as teenagers and we need to stop this trend.” “Banning displays of cigarettes and tobacco will help young people resist the pressure to start smoking and help the thousands of adults in England who are currently trying to quit.”