West Dunbartonshire’s Trading Standards Officers are urging businesses who sell tobacco to ensure they are registered with the Scottish Government.
Councillor Craig McLaughlin, spokesperson for Corporate Services said “From 1st October it has been a legal requirement to be registered with the Scottish Government if you sell tobacco. You’ll commit a criminal offence, punishable by a fine of up to £20,000 or six months imprisonment if you’re selling tobacco whilst unregistered”.
Nicky Johnston of West Dunbartonshire’s Trading Standards Section continued “We will shortly be visiting shops, pubs, clubs, petrol stations and fast food shops who we know sell tobacco and who are not appearing on the register to find out why. Our primary aim at this stage is to encourage tobacco retailers to register and offer some basic assistance. However we cannot rule out enforcement action in the future if traders continue to flout the law.”
Tobacco retailers can register online at www.tobaccoregisterscotland.org or by phoning 0131 244 2169. Furthermore registration forms are available from Trading Standards by calling 01389 738290. Registration is free of charge.
Retailers are also reminded that they must not sell cigarettes to anyone under 18 years old. A 29 year old male was observed by Trading Standards Officers selling a packet of cigarettes to a 15 year old boy in his Clydebank newsagents shop on 12th August. He was issued with a £200 Fixed Penalty Notice.
