Court ruling paves way for cigarette vending machine ban

1 December 2010

The ban on cigarette vending machines is set to go ahead after the High Court today rejected a legal challenge against the Government legislation.

Vending machine operator Sinclair Collis, a subsidiary of cigarette manufacturer Imperial Tobacco, took the legal action to stop legislation designed to help prevent children from smoking. The judge ruled that the ban was an appropriate measure in trying to discourage people from smoking.

Betty McBride, our Policy & Communications Director, said: ”The high court has stubbed out this highly cynical bid by industry to keep pushing tobacco at children via vending machines.

“For too long vending machines have been an all too easy way for children to buy cigarettes. By consigning them to the scrap heap we’ll be taking an important step forward in stopping children pick up an addiction which can have deadly consequences for their health.

“We have campaigned for this ban for two years and at every step the tobacco industry have thrown obstacles into the way. Following yesterday’s announcement by the Government this ruling paves the way for progress in protecting children from smoking.”

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