Nick Harvey MP has called for all parts of the community to support local retailers when the legal purchasing age for tobacco increases to 18 on 1 October.

From 1 October retailers will only be allowed to sell tobacco products to those over 18. Nick Harvey is stressing the importance of raising awareness of this change.

Nick Harvey MP says:

‘Preventing the underage sales of tobacco has to be a top priority. The increase in the age is likely to reduce the chances of young people being able to buy tobacco in the long term.

‘However the transition has to be managed and key to that is awareness in the community that the law has changed.

‘Refusing age restricted sales is already a major reason for retailers facing abuse, intimidation and violence. This is likely to increase on 1 October, when older people will be asked for ID and some young people can no longer buy tobacco.

‘I ask that the local community across North Devon to support our retailers during the transition period.’