People and businesses in Gedling borough are being reminded a shake-up of the UK’s smoking laws is going full steam ahead from next month.
From May 21 it will be illegal to sell cigarettes in branded packs after top judges refused to let global tobacco giants appeal against the decision.
All packaging of tobacco products on sale in shops in the borough will be a standardised drab green-brown colour with large pictorial and text health warnings from next month.
The new regulations on the appearance of tobacco packaging came into force in May 2016, giving tobacco companies one year to make sure all packs on sale in the UK comply with the changes by May 2017.
Nottinghamshire County Council’s Trading Standards officers will continue to investigate the sale and distribution of illicit tobacco and will also be checking that businesses comply with the new packaging requirements.
Failure to comply with the new legislation is an offence and can include imprisonment of up to two years if heard a crown court or a fine.
Claudine White, trading standards manager at Nottinghamshire County Council, said: “The new plain packaging changes aim to make smoking less enticing by removing the stylish branding and attractive colours to encourage people to give up.
“We are working with Public Health colleagues at the Council to support local smokers to kick the habit and combating the problem of counterfeit tobacco is a key part of this.
“Counterfeit cigarettes undermine the Government’s pricing policy to discourage people from smoking by making cigarettes and tobacco more cheaply available.”
To report any concerns regarding the sale or distribution of illicit tobacco contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.
For free support to quit smoking contact a stop smoking advisor on 0800 2465343 or text QUIT to 66777. For the locations of clinics visit www.smokefreelifenottinghamshire.co.uk
