Cigarette display ban for small shops comes into force in Wales today

Today signals the end of tobacco displays in all Welsh retailers, it is now illegal for small shops and retailers in Wales to display cigarettes and tobacco in public from today.

The change in the law, which covers newsagents, pubs, clubs and small shops, means failure to cover up cigarette displays is now a criminal offence.

Large businesses have had to cover their tobacco displays since 2012, but small businesses have been given extra time to prepare for the change in the law.

Rules have also come into force that will see a change to the way tobacco products are priced – Promotion will be limited to a price list, price labels on shelves, and plain posters saying ‘cigarettes sold here’

The ban is aimed at reducing the uptake of smoking among young people in particular by removing eye-catching tobacco displays.

Covered display cabinets at a supermarket: Picture: conveniencestore.co.uk

Surveys have consistently shown strong public support for a ban on the display of tobacco products. 

A 2010 survey by Cancer Research UK found 73% of people asked supported for the removal of point-of-sale displays. 

Health and Social Services Minister Mark Drakeford said:

“The ban on displaying cigarettes and tobacco is the next step to help us limit the attraction of cigarettes, especially among young people, and further raise awareness about the dangers of smoking. Evidence from Cancer Research UK shows that despite the success of the ban on tobacco advertising, prominent displays remain a key factor in encouraging young people to take up smoking.