Tobacco retailers in the Derry City and Strabane District Council area are being reminded that they must register their premises to sell tobacco products by July 1 or face a substantial penalty.
To date over 175 premises in the Council area have registered, but there are a number of premises, particularly small independent retailers, who have yet to do so.
Under the Tobacco Retailers Act (Northern Ireland) 2014 all tobacco retailers across Northern Ireland are legally obliged to join the register by July 1. After this date it will be illegal to sell tobacco products, including cigarette papers, if not registered to do so.
Urging retailers to register before the deadline, Derry City and Strabane District Council’s Tobacco Control Officer, Conor Logue, explained that the financial penalties for not being registered will range from £500 to the maximum fine applicable on summary conviction, which is £5,000.
He said registering couldn’t be easier and that retailers can simply register online for free by visiting- www.tobaccoregisterni.gov.uk. Alternatively application forms are also available from the Council Offices in Derry and Strabane.
He explained that the new legislation is just one of a range of measures being introduced to reduce smoking among children and young people.
“Recent studies have shown that one in every two children who tries smoking will become a smoker and that one in every two of those who do smoke will eventually die from a smoking related disease,” he added.
To request an application form to join the tobacco retailers’ register, please contact Conor Logue, Tobacco Control Officer on 02871253253 or visit the Council’s web page, http://www.derrystrabane.com/tobacco for more information on the new legal requirements regarding the sale of tobacco products.
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