Fears shops will exploit smoke laws

LOOPHOLES in tobacco legislation could lead to youngsters being targeted by pro-smoking marketing campaigns, it has been claimed.

Doctors said the Scottish Government should ensure the Tobacco and Primary Medical Services Act - which will ban the display of products in shops - is not weakened.

The Edinburgh-based British Medical Association Scotland said large cigarette firms would know how to exploit any gaps in the law.

GP and member of the BMA's board of science Dr Andrew Thomson said: "Given that around five million smokers worldwide die every year because of their addiction, tobacco companies wish to entice new customers all the time and they use sophisticated marketing techniques to promote their product.

"We need to break the tobacco trap. Young smokers will become tomorrow's parents who smoke and they will continue the cycle of smoking-related ill-health.

"The industry is known for its cynical and highly-targeted marketing techniques."