The Government have no plans at present to penalise adults for supplying cigarettes to under-age smokers. However, as part of our communications campaign on changing the age of sale for tobacco, we are making parents aware of the dangers of young people smoking through magazine feature stories. Our continuing tobacco advertising TV campaign will also help to raise awareness of the dangers of smoking and benefits of quitting. In this way, we hope to discourage adults from supplying tobacco to young people under the minimum age.
The Government are not in a position to direct decisions on the enforcement of the age of sale law. Tobacco control legislation, including that on minimum age of sale, is enforced by local authority trading standards officers. Budgets for this are set at local level and priorities are also determined locally. However, the Department has encouraged compliance with the new law by informing retailers, teenagers, parents and schools about the change in the law, supported by guidance to retailers and signage. We are also working closely with the local authorities Coordinators of Regulatory Services in the build-up to the age change, including revising guidance to enforcement officers who ensure compliance with the law.
The Government have been carrying out a major communications campaign on changing the age of sale since April, focusing on the two main target groups: retailers and teenagers. Retailers have been sent details about the background of the change and advice about implementation. A dedicated website has also been set up for their benefit. As well as setting up a website for them, the Government are also running a digital advertising campaign on young people's social networking sites. There will also be posters near schools and newsagents.
Details can be seen at the retailers website www.tobaccoagechange.co.uk and the young people's website www.tobaccol8.co.uk.