Last month (Convenience Store, February 20) we called on retailers to write to their MP asking them to consider a change in the law which would make it illegal for adults to buy cigarettes on behalf of children.

We've had excellent feedback from readers who have taken time to play their part in encouraging a more realistic approach to stopping supply of tobacco products to under-18s.

We've also got the support of Imperial Tobacco. Trade communications manager Iain Watkins says: "We share the government's objective to reduce the rates of youth smoking, and it is our view that the existing regulation should be rigorously enforced.

"We feel the government should focus its efforts on greater enforcement of the current minimum age laws, supplemented with additional resources to support Trading Standards in efforts to tackle illegal selling. The government could also consider making proxy purchasing illegal."

There's still time to influence your MP, so check www.thegrocer.co.uk/independents for details and a sample letter.

Topics