CUMBRIA'S Public Health chief has welcomed changes that came into force this week which has seen all retailers removing cigarettes from display.
From Monday (April 6) any outlet selling tobacco products must ensure they are not on public display. It follows a change in the law designed to reduce the number of young people taking up smoking.
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Colin Cox, Director of Cumbria County Council’s Public health team, said: “Smoking causes nearly 900 premature deaths each year in Cumbria and 66 per cent of regular smokers started smoking before the age of 18.
“Evidence shows that colourful and eye-catching tobacco displays in shops can promote the uptake of smoking by young people and undermine the resolve of adults who are trying to quit smoking. We are committed to protecting children and young people from the unsolicited promotion of tobacco products and fully support this change in the law.”
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