SBPA seeks communication on smoking change

June 5, 2007: The Scottish Beer and Pub Association (SBPA) has called for the Scottish Executive to make sure it provides the licensed trade with information about changes in the law on the sale of tobacco when the minimum age for buying cigarettes in Scotland is raised from 16 to
18 on October 1.

SBPA chief executive Patrick Browne said: "Most licensed premises in Scotland make use of vending machines for selling cigarettes to customers so this change in terms of operational practice within bars should be relatively
minimal, but it is important that the Scottish Executive fully communicate
this change to the licensed industry in Scotland given the likely wider use
of test purchasing of age-restricted products.

"There is also a legal requirement for signage to be displayed reinforcing the age at which customers can buy cigarettes, and obviously this signage will need to be changed if the law is amended."