Move to force cigarettes 'under the counter'

Alan Johnson has endorsed plans to ban the open display of cigarettes in shops in Scotland.

The health secretary signalled that ministers are planning a series of anti-smoking measures, such as removing cigarettes from public display and banning vending machines.

Last year, the government introduced a ban on smoking in public places and raised the legal age for buying tobacco products from 16 to 18.

And this week ministers will also consult on proposals to ban packets of 10 cigarettes.

Johnson told BBC1's Andrew Marr Show that Scotland was right to force cigarettes "under the counter".

"I think they are right to do that and indeed we are considering that as well," he said. "We will launch a consultation document on that next week."

Pointing out that 200,000 under 16-year-olds start smoking every year, he said that younger people were more influenced by advertising.

Anti-smoking pressure group Action on Smoking and Health welcomed the news, with director Deborah Arnott describing it as an "ambitious consultation".

"We welcome the focus on protecting children, as two thirds of smokers start smoking before they reach 18, significantly increasing their risk of dying from cancer," she said.

"Smoking is still by far the major cause of preventable death and disease, exacerbating health inequalities and killing more people each year than alcohol, obesity, road accidents and illegal drugs put together."