Fife Shops which fail to comply with a ban on the display of tobacco from the end of this month can expect tough sanctions.
That was the warning from the head of the council’s enterprise, planning and protective services, Geoff Bates, who said enforcement officers would be visiting premises to ensure the new law is complied with.
The Scottish Government’s ban will come into effect on April 29 for large retailers and self service vending machines will be banned on the same day.
Small retailers will be given until April 2015 to comply with the display ban. The Government hopes the new steps will remove the temptation for young people to take up smoking.
Mr Bates said: “Under the law, our officers enforce under age sales of tobacco to under-18s, proxy purchases and ensure retailers are registered to sell tobacco.”
He said breaches of the law could result in a £200 fixed penalty notice and offences could also be reported to the procurator fiscal.
“Further breaches can result in a court banning a retailer from selling tobacco for up to a year,” he added.
Once the display ban comes into force, officers will be visiting large retailers to offer advice and ensure compliance with the law.
Further advice is available by contacting the team on 01592 583141.