Tobacco displays ‘can influence young people to take up smoking’

In-store tobacco displays can make young people more susceptible to taking up smoking in the future, according to a new study.

Research conducted by the University of Stirling, with support from Cancer Research UK, showed that children who find behind-the-counter tobacco displays eye-catching or attractive are more likely to develop the habit.

Anne Marie Mackintosh, lead researcher at the university, suggested that this is due to the colourful and brightly-lit nature of these displays, which she said was a "real concern".

The survey of 950 non-smoking 11 to 16 year olds also showed a high level of support for incoming laws to remove these fixtures from shops, with more than 70 percent of respondents speaking in favour of such measures.

Jean King, Cancer Research UK's director of tobacco control, said: "This research adds further evidence showing that putting tobacco out of sight is without a doubt the right move to make."

Earlier this month, a separate study from the research charity suggested that unbranded, plain packaging for cigarettes will also help to make them less attractive.