RETAILERS and customers in Argyll and Bute are being reminded about the new legislation on sales of tobacco products which came into force this week.
The new legislation means that cigarettes and hand-rolling tobacco must be sold in standardised green packaging.
Cigarettes will only be allowed to be sold in a minimum pack size of 20 and hand-rolling tobacco in a minimum pack weight of 30g.
Other changes include more use of warnings and images, a ban on terms that imply lifestyle benefits or similar, a ban on promotions and special offers and a ban on the use of the word 'flavours' such as fruits or chocolate.
Menthol cigarettes can still be sold until 202, but the word menthol must not be used in the labelling.
The current rules expire on May 20 and after this date it becomes an offence to sell cigarettes and hand-rolling tobacco if they are not in the new green packaging.
Argyll and Bute Council's trading standards team has written to all retailers of tobacco products with details of the changes, approximately 250 in Argyll and Bute, but any retailer who would like advice on the changes is asked to call the council on 01546 605519 and ask to speak to a trading standards officer.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here