BHF welcomes ban on cigarette vending machines

The British Heart Foundation (BHF) has welcomed the introduction of new regulations outlawing cigarette vending machines in pubs and clubs in the UK.

Betty McBride, director of policy and communications for the organisation, described the application of the legislation, which commences this week, represents a "win for public health" and will stop children from gaining access to cigarettes.

The organisation cited research from the Lancet showing that any short-term loss of earnings resulting from tobacco control legislation of this kind is outweighed by its long-term healthcare benefits.

Ms McBride said the government must seek to continue this progress by banning the use of logos, colours and attractive imagery on cigarette packaging.

"It will put an end to this form of marketing and help stop generations of young people getting addicted," she said.

This comes after University of Stirling research earlier this month showed that eye-catching in-store tobacco displays can make young people more likely to take up smoking in future.