Guide For Tobacco Retailers Published

Guide for retailers on selling tobacco includes the sale and display of cigarettes and tobacco products in their shops

There are a number of rules and regulations regarding the sale of tobacco in Northern Ireland including age restriction, packaging requirements and the display of tobacco products.

Any retailer found to be in breach of these regulations may face a Fixed Penalty Notice of up to £250, or prosecution resulting in a fine of up to £5000.

New guidance for retailers
Belfast City Council has published a short guide for tobacco retailers with information on the sale and display of cigarettes and tobacco products in their shops.

The first section offers guidance on the selling of tobacco products. This covers how it is illegal to sell tobacco products to anyone under 18 years of age, that cigarettes should be sold in original packs and not individually, and that a sign at the point of sale, stating ‘It is illegal to sell tobacco products to anyone under 18’ must be displayed.

There is also advice for retailers about test purchasing, complying with the law and plain packaging requirements.

The second section of the leaflet covers the general rules of displaying cigarettes and tobacco products, ensuring all staff are aware of these rules and the requirement for anyone operating a tobacco business in Northern Ireland to register with Belfast City Council.

Access the Tobacco Retailers Advice Leaflet.

Source: nibusinessinfo.co.uk