New rules banning the sale of tobacco in supermarkets will come into force on 1 July, making it illegal to buy tobacco on Schiermonnikoog, reports DutchNews.nl.

Currently, the only place that is licensed to sell tobacco on the island is the village supermarket, however from 1 July when the new law comes into effect it will no longer be able to sell tobacco.
Lauwersoog where ferries to Schiermonnikoog depart from, will also lose its only sales point making the nearest place to legally buy tobacco from 1 July a petrol station in Dokkum 20 km away, reports DutchNews.nl.
Schiermonnikoog’s mayor Ineke van Gent fears that the new law will see a rise in illegal cigarette sales on the island. “The fact is that at the moment sales are subject to good, strict controls. If an unregulated trade in tobacco emerges from this, it will be bad for our young islanders and tourists,” she said.
According to DutchNews.nl, supermarkets in other areas of the Netherlands have set up separate tobacco shops to get around the ban but it is simply not an option for Schiermonnikoog with its population of around 1,000.
“I have no illusions that people will stop if they can’t buy from me,” he said. “It’s quiet now, but in high season someone will undoubtedly see a trading opportunity,” franchise holder Eric Brunekreef said of the situation.