Scotland : MSPs vote to restrict sale of tobacco

Tough new laws to restrict tobacco sales to youngsters were given the green light by MSPs yesterday.
The measures were given a fair wind across the party divide as MSPs agreed that tougher curbs on sales to young people, including curbs on vending machines and registrations of shops selling cigarettes, should go ahead.
The bill passed in principle, giving it passage into full committee consideration. As well as setting out proposals to curb the sale of tobacco to young people, the bill includes measures which aim to exclude certain individuals or private firms from entering into contracts with health boards to provide GP services.
MSPs voted 102 to 16 to back stage one of the Tobacco and Primary Medical Services (Scotland) Bill.
Ash Scotland chief executive Sheila Duffy said: "I am delighted that the overwhelming majority of MSPs have endorsed the general principles of this important bill."

Source: The Herald, 25th September 2009