Across the UK - a ban on cigarette vending machines is set to begin 2011..

November 12, 2009 - A ban on cigarette vending machines is set to become law across the UK, after it cleared its final Commons hurdle on Tuesday night. Wednesday, 11 November 2009 MPs (members of parliament) approved Lords amendments to the Health Bill, following the surprise agreement in the Commons to the proposal from Labour former minister Ian McCartney last month.





Health Minister Gillian Merron said it was hoped the ban would dissuade young people from smoking, as these were the "new recruits the tobacco industry needs to replace those who die".




Under the initial wording of the Bill, the Government had intended to regulate vending machines more strictly and only impose a ban if that failed to prevent cigarettes being sold to children. (United Kingdom - limiting access to cigarette vending machines not possible..) But Mr McCartney's amendment was passed without a vote and Health Secretary Andy Burnham said the will of the House would be respected. (United Kingdom - House of Commons - ban cigarette displays a step closer/vending machine ban even closer..)

Ms Merron told MPs that vending machines reflected a time when shops closed early and it was difficult to buy cigarettes in the evening.

The ban brought the UK into line with 16 other EU countries, she said.

Reference: Cigarette vending machines banned, U.TV News, 11/11/2009.

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