Proposal to ban cigarette vending machines in Scotland

As part of proposed legislation, tobacco displays in shops will also be prohibited.

The Scottish Government wants to cut the number of young smokers to less than 23 per cent by 2012.

Recent figures showed 31 per cent of young people in Scotland smoke, a level last seen almost 10 years ago.

Measures under the Tobacco and Primary Medical Services Bill would also see shopkeepers banned from selling cigarettes if they continually break the law.

Public health minister Shona Robison said the main aim of the legislation is to protect future generations from the harmful effects of smoking.

She said: "Point of sale marketing is a powerful tool and I believe it's totally inappropriate for cigarettes to be promoted in this way. Similarly, I believe there is no place in a modern Scotland for cigarette vending machines - we wouldn't allow any other dangerous product to be sold in this way."

Jean King, Cancer Research UK's director of tobacco control, said: "This is a serious commitment to protecting young people from tobacco with the potential to prevent many people from becoming addicted to a product that kills half of all long-term users. We urge the Scottish Parliament to pass this legislation as a priority."