Cigarettes go behind the curtain in London shops

A ban on display of cigarettes and other tobacco products in shops in Britain came into force on Monday as part of efforts to discourage teenagers and others from smoking that is scientifically proved to cause cancer and other diseases leading to death.

A ban on display of cigarettes and other tobacco products in shops in Britain came into force on Monday as part of efforts to discourage teenagers and others from smoking that is scientifically proved to cause cancer and other diseases leading to death.

Shops will now need to store cigarettes behind curtains, inside sliding doors or other non-visible solutions such as storing them under the counter.

The display of cigarettes has been banned in large supermarkets in Britain since 2012, but the ban has been extended from Monday to the large number of corner shops, pubs and clubs that account for much of the sales.

Hazel Cheeseman, a director at campaign group Action on Smoking and Health, said, “Two-thirds of smokers start before the age of 18 so it is vital that everything is done to put tobacco out of sight to protect future generations”. She added, “The display ban in small shops will work hand in hand with standardised packs, which will be introduced in May 2016, to further protect children from glitzy tobacco packaging.”

The section storing cigarettes behind curtains can only be opened when the vendor confirms that a potential customer is above the age of 18. It is required to be closed soon after the sale.