The bill stops short of an outright ban on vending machines, proposing instead age-restriction mechanisms such as payment with tokens that could only be bought by those over 18 or a remote control that shopkeepers could activate if they believe the customer to be over 18.
The government says its measures would be brought in by 2011 and monitored to check they are working. If not, ministers will consider banning vending machines altogether in 2013.
Last month, the Lords endorsed a ban on the display of tobacco products in shops by 2013 but voted down an amendment to outlaw vending machines immediately as favoured by the BMA. In a move to prevent children smoking, the BMA proposes that cigarette vending machines should be banned and manufacturers forced to use plain packaging.
A YouGov poll commissioned by antismoking group Action on Smoking and Health (Ash), of 3,330 people found that 65 per cent supported a complete ban on cigarette vending machines, while 43 per cent favoured the introduction of plain packaging. (pi) | 
