Liberal Democrat Health spokesperson Ross Finnie MSP has welcomed action to tackle smoking, but questioned the blanket ban on tobacco displays.

The Scottish Government has unveiled its Tobacco and Primary Medical Services Bill today (Thursday), which would ban tobacco displays in shops as well as cigarette vending machines. It also proposes a negative licensing scheme and national register for shops that sell tobacco.

Ross Finnie MSPCommenting, Mr Finnie said:

“I broadly welcome many of the proposals in this Bill, which I hope will stop people taking up smoking in the first place.

“The SNP needs to crack down on irresponsible retailers who sell cigarettes to minors.

“I am pleased that the Government has listened to Liberal Democrat concerns about the unnecessary extra bureaucracy that would hamper a positive licensing scheme. By choosing our preferred option, a negative scheme, only retailers who break the law will be punished.

“But, we must not forget that cigarettes are a legal product. The blanket ban on displaying cigarettes doesn’t make much sense. I’m disappointed that the SNP choose the easy route of a blanket ban, instead of tougher controls about how tobacco can be displayed.”