Wrexham Businesses Urged To Be Aware Of Cigarette Machine Ban

Picture by Piotr Wlodarczyk on Flickr.

Wrexham Council is urging the town’s businesses to be aware of the impending ban on cigarette vending machines which will be enforced from February 1st.

Under Welsh Government legislation it will be illegal for cigarettes to be sold from vending machines throughout Wales.

The law was passed in response to evidence that many children who smoke regularly get their cigarettes from vending machines.

There are approximately 100,000 deaths every year in the UK from smoking related causes and two thirds of smokers said started smoking whilst they were under 18.

The WAG says that restricting access to tobacco and protecting young people is fundamental to the national priority to reduce smoking prevalence, especially among young people who are most at risk.

Any Wrexham business that has a vending machine on their premises should ensure that it can no longer be use by the public and also ensure that any advertisements for cigarettes on the machine are removed or permanently covered up.

Businesses are also encouraged to speak to vending machine operators to arrange for the removal of the machine.

If any members of the public are aware of machines still in use after the beginning of February Trading Standards would encourage them to report this to Consumer Direct Wales on 08454 040506 .

Additionally if any businesses wish to seek further information on the ban they can contact Trading Standards in Wrexham on 01978 292045.

For information on how to quit smoking contact Wrexham County Borough Council for a free self help quit kit on 01978 297063 or email [email protected]