Tobacco displays could be banned

Tobacco displays should be banned and cigarette vending machines limited to venues for over-18s, the Health and Social Services Department has said.

Minister Hunter Adam has submitted the proposal to the States following a three-month public consultation period.

A survey found 70% of respondents wanted the proposed changes.

Dr Stephen Bridgman, director of public health, said: "The results show that many people recognise the need to protect our young people from tobacco."

'Banning cigarette machines'

The department said tobacco-related illnesses remained the single major preventable cause of premature death in Guernsey.

From 466 responses about banning the display of tobacco products 327 supported the idea.

Three quarters - or 235 of the 312 responses - supported limiting access to vending machines to establishments for over-18s.

Another question about banning cigarette vending machines outright received support from just more than half of the 411 respondents.

The department is not putting this to the States.