From: "John Reynolds" To: "Lolworth Parish Council" ; "Irish Nick-Dry Drayton" ; "Girton Website" ; "Girton Parish News" ; "Girton Parish Council" ; "Dry Drayton Website" ; "Dry Drayton News" ; "Binnie Harvey-Boxworth" ; "Bar Hill website" ; "Bar Hill News" ; "Bar Hill Parish Council" Subject: CAMBRIDGESHIRE TRADERS ASH-KED TO STICK TO NEW SMOKING AGE LAW Date: 29 September 2007 14:22 CAMBRIDGESHIRE TRADERS ASH-KED TO STICK TO NEW SMOKING AGE LAW Stores across Cambridgeshire have been contacted by Trading Standards in readiness for the change in age for the sale in tobacco. From Monday, October 1, the age to buy tobacco legally will rise from 16 to 18 years. In readiness for the change Cambridgeshire County Council Trading Standards has been writing or visiting hundreds of stores giving advice to staff and owners. Trading standards have been working closely with the Cambridgeshire Primary Care Trust to raise awareness of the new law and ways for people to quit smoking. Traders have also been given cards to hand out to people aged 16 or 17 who from Monday will no longer be able to buy tobacco. New research by YouGov has revealed that 66% of adults in the East of England believe it makes sense to raise the minimum age for the sale of tobacco to 18 in line with alcohol. This backs up evidence from Ireland that shows the same law change there played a key role in reducing prevalence of teenage smoking. The Stop Smoking service of Cambridgeshire PCT, Camquit, offer free advice and support to anyone, including young people, who would like to stop smoking. More information can be found on www.camquit.nhs.uk Nikki Piper for Cambridgeshire County Council Trading Standards, said: "We believe that changing the age of sale in line with the age limit on, for example, alcohol sales will help eliminate confusion among retailers. This change in the age of sale for tobacco, will make it more difficult for young people to purchase cigarettes and may help to improve their health. We will be helping support businesses through this change." The raising of the minimum age for buying tobacco from 16 to 18 will be effective from October 2007. The legal age for the purchase of Tobacco Products has been 16 since 1908. Camquit Stop Smoking service provide free help, advice and support to anyone wishing to stop smoking. Camquit can be contacted on the following number Camquit (Cambridge City and South Cambs) 01223 72302 John Reynolds -- No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.5.488 / Virus Database: 269.13.33/1036 - Release Date: 28/09/2007 15:40