Tobacco shop sales warning

Under new regulations, the Scottish Government requires traders to be part of the country’s new tobacco register.

The deadline for entries closes on October 1, and it is thought around 5000 have already signed up in Scotland.

Public Health Minister Michael Matheson said: “Cigarettes are harmful and it is only right that decisive action is taken to improve our health as a nation and discourage smoking.

“The introduction of the Scottish Tobacco Retailer Register will help trading standards officers enforce age restrictions and crack down on illicit sales.

“But we are also conscious of the need not to burden responsible retailers with needless bureaucracy.”