BMA calls for ban on shop tobacco displays

The British Medical Association (BMA) has urged the government to bring legislation to outlaw tobacco displays in English shops into effect.

Dr Vivienne Nathanson, the BMA's head of science and ethics, has stated that a full implementation of anti-tobacco laws outlined in the 2009 Health Act will help to discourage young people from taking up smoking as a habit.

The calls come in response to the Journal of Tobacco Control's publication of a report showing the success of similar legislation introduced in Ireland in July 2009.

It found that banning tobacco displays led to a drop in the number of young people who believed that smoking was a common habit among their peer group, while businesses did not suffer harm as a result of the move.

Dr Nathanson said: "Smoking often goes hand in hand with deprivation and it is essential that we break this tobacco poverty trap."

Earlier this week, another Tobacco Control report demonstrated that passive smoking is associated with an increased risk of hearing loss at various frequencies.