Tobacco display ban announced

Tobacco will no longer be displayed in shops under new legislation being implemented by the Government.

The regulations will come into force for large stores on April 6 2012 and on April 6 2015 for all other shops.

Only temporary displays in "certain limited circumstances" will be allowed, with the rules phased in to minimise the impact on businesses, according to a statement from the Department of Health.

The Government is keeping an "open mind" on plain packaging for cigarettes and other tobacco products, and is planning a consultation on different options before the end of this year.