ONE of Bolton’s top doctors has backed a law introduced today forcing supermarkets to hide cigarettes from display.

Dr Brian Bradley, a consultant physician in respiratory and general medicine at the Royal Bolton Hospital, said the ban will be a lifesaver—but warned that it does not go far enough.

The law applies to large shops and supermarkets, which could be fined £5,000 if they break it, but Dr Bradley has urged the Government to press ahead with plans to force smaller shops to comply as well.

He said: “It should be extended to smaller outlets. I can appreciate that it’s difficult for corner shops at the moment but saving lives is more of a priority.

“Smoking is a huge risk factor for cancer, heart attacks and strokes.

“It kills many and leaves others permanently disabled as a result.”

About 20 per cent of deaths in Bolton each year are caused by respiratory conditions.

Government statistics show eight million adults smoke in the UK — two thirds said they started before they were 18, and more than a third said they started before they were 16.

One in 20 children aged 11 to 15 smoke.

Dr Bradley said: “A lot of people take up the habit of smoking at a very early age and, because it’s an addictive process, it’s difficult to kick.

“Before this ban, shops used the same theory as the one applied to putting sweets at the checkout.

It tempts people to impulse buy.

“It’s not going to change things overnight but it’s all part of the war against smoking.”

A Tesco spokesman said the supermarket would comply with the law, while Asda said they had trialled tobacco screens in stores last year and were using them in all stores ahead of the deadline.