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Cigarette vending machine ban in pubs criticised
Thu 06 May 2010
Moves to ban cigarette vending machines in licensed premises in Wales have been criticised.
The Welsh Assembly Government recently outlined plans to impose such a ban from October 2011.
However, the Brecon Licensed Victuallers Association has warned that this could have a negative impact on licensed premises such as pubs.
John Harries, secretary of the group, told the Morning Advertiser that some landlords in Wales may choose to wrap up their businesses after the restrictions are put in place.
He added that he does not know how "many more nails they can hammer into the coffin" of the pub trade.
According to Tony Jewell, chief medical officer for Wales, removing cigarette vending machines from licensed premises will reinforce the message that smoking is harmful and addictive.
He said it would also reduce the opportunity for young people to access cigarettes, as most under-age smokers get their tobacco from self-service machines.
Robert Botkai, a partner at Winckworth Sherwood, commented: "Publicans have faced increasing regulation and restrictions over the last decade.
"The way to survive is to look forward and be imaginative in creating new revenue streams.
"Only the strong will survive."
