Tobacco law change - Local MP says local shops need support

4.30.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Tue 2nd Oct 2007

Martin Horwood MP has called for all parts of the community to support local retailers now that the legal purchasing age for tobacco has increased to 18.

From 01 October retailers have only been allowed to sell tobacco products to those over 18. Martin is stressing the importance of raising awareness of this age change.

Martin said: "Preventing the underage sale of tobacco has to be a top priority. The increase in the age is likely to reduce the chances of young people being able to buy tobacco in the long term."

"However, the transition has to be managed, and key to that is awareness in the community that the law has changed. Refusing age restricted sales is already a major reason for retailers facing abuse, intimidation and violence. This is likely to increase now that older people will be asked for ID and some young people can no longer buy tobacco. I ask the local community to support retailers at this time."