Government delays in banning tobacco displays in England lead to frustration

Cancer Research UK, the BMA, and other experts have said they are disappointed by the government decision to delay removing tobacco displays from shops in England.

Although the government’s new tobacco control plan for England announced an intention to consult on forcing tobacco products into plain, unbranded packs, it also gives retailers extra time to prepare for the tobacco display provisions in the 2009 Health Act. The decision to delay implementing the tobacco display legislation for large shops until April 2012 and for all other shops until April 2015 has frustrated some professional groups and campaigning organisations.

The paper also says the government will continue to defend tobacco legislation against legal challenges by the tobacco industry, including legislation to stop tobacco sales from vending machines from October this year. The …