Dawn Primarolo, the UK's public health minister, has proposed placing cigarettes beneath shop counters while supermarkets and corner shops should be banned from displaying tobacco products.

As The Times reported, vending machines are also to be removed from hotels, pubs and restaurants in an attempt to further limit children's access to tobacco. Both measures are to be included in a consultation scheduled for launch later this spring. Legislation, if needed, could be introduced this autumn.
The consultation process, due to begin in late May, will set out the range of options under consideration. Ministers are obliged to detail how much the measures are likely to cost businesses and will be expected to show what benefits banning cigarette displays and vending machines will bring. Interest groups will have one to three months to register objections.
David Cameron, the Conservative leader, gave a cautious welcome to the proposals.
Retailers made clear that removing cigarettes from sight could carry heavy costs, forcing many convenience stores to carry out refits costing thousands of pounds.
If the ban on displaying tobacco products is implemented, England will join Ontario, Canada and two administrations in Australia – Tasmania and the Australian Capital Territory. Ontario has passed legislation forcing cigarettes under the counter which comes into effect in May while the Australian administrations are taking steps to enforce a similar law. (pi)