SALE OF TOBACCO PRODUCTS AND RETAIL CRIME

Early day motion 2183, tabled 24 October 2007 by Dawn Butler (Labour). Signed by 28 members.

That this House welcomes the increased legal minimum age of sale for tobacco products from 16 to 18 years of age; notes that according to a recent survey by the British Retail Consortium retail crime has increased by 50 per cent.; further notes that retailers are concerned they may face intimidation or violence as a result of the change and that smaller independent retailers are at greatest risk; acknowledges that fixed penalty notices can be issued to those under the age of 18 years who attempt to buy alcohol; considers that if it were an offence for those under the age of 18 years to attempt to purchase tobacco this would act as a deterrent to children from doing so and relieve pressure on shop owners and reduce potential violence; and calls upon the Government to bring forward proposals to bring into line the legal penalties for the attempted purchase of tobacco with that of alcohol.

Signatures by party: Labour 25, Conservative 2, Liberal Democrat 1.