Majority of Welsh businesses support new tobacco laws
The bill would see tobacco products phased out of sale
A survey by ASH Wales Cymru has found more than half of Welsh small businesses support plans to criminalise the sale of tobacco to anyone born after 2009.
On Tuesday (16th April) MPs will debate a proposed bill to place tougher restrictions on the sale of tobacco and vapes.
This includes phasing out the sale of tobacco, meaning anyone who turns 15 or younger in 2024 will never legally be sold cigarettes.
The survey from ASH Wales found 58% of small businesses surveyed said they supported the Welsh and UK governments’ plans.
They also found 86% of businesses surveyed in Wales said they would support the introduction of Fixed Penalty Notices for retailers that breach the new rules.
Suzanne Cass, CEO of ASH Wales Cymru, said: “This strong backing from businesses in Wales is significant because it flies in the face of tobacco industry rhetoric that public protection measures are bad for business – that clearly isn’t the case.
“Responsible Welsh retailers know that raising the age of sale for tobacco products is the right thing to do, and they want businesses who breach legislation to be held accountable.
“We are urging all Welsh MPs to listen to their constituents, and to the evidence.
"Passing and implementing this bill will be a legacy they can be proud of, supporting one of the most monumental public health interventions in decades, protecting future generations in Wales from nicotine addiction and the devastating harms of tobacco.
“The clock is ticking on this Bill, there is only a limited amount of time to get it passed into law before the summer recess or a General Election."