SMALL retailers are being reminded that new tobacco display laws come into effect in April 6.

From that date it will be illegal for small and medium size retailers to openly display cigarettes and tobacco to the public and Wigan Trading Standards are urging retailers to take action now.

Failure to cover up cigarette displays will be a criminal offence and any person, including shop managers and shop assistants are liable.

The new rules will also change the way in which tobacco products must be priced and permits only three types of price lists and labels for tobacco products.

Julie Middlehurst, Trading Standards and Licensing Group manager, said: “The tobacco display ban for smaller retailers comes into effect in April and is an important part of the objective to stop young people taking up smoking.

“Larger retailers have had to comply with the same change to the law since 2012 and compliance levels have been high”

Guidance on the regulations can be found at businesscompanion.info by searching for ‘display’.

Cllr Kevin Anderson, cabinet member for environment at Wigan Council, said: “Evidence shows that colourful and eye-catching tobacco displays in shops can promote the uptake of smoking by young people and undermine the resolve of adults who are trying to quit smoking.

“It is important to protect children and young people from the unsolicited promotion of tobacco products”.

To find out more, call Wigan Council Trading Standards on 01942 827476.