'No need for cig vending machine ban'
Late-night bars are tackling problems relating to underage entry with "excellent results" — so the Government should lay off new restrictions on cigarette sales in venues.
That's the conclusion of a survey by CGA for Noctis, the trade body for late-night operators.
The Government is considering tough new measures to ensure under-18s can't buy cigarettes from vending machines — or banning machines all together — as part of its Health Bill. Plans to curb advertising and sales over the bar are also considered.
The survey of 500 late-night venues found at least 2m customers per month are turned away for not producing acceptable ID when challenged.
In addition, 70% don't allow under-18s to enter at any time, while 92% operate Challenge 21 or Challenge 25.
And 79% use doorstaff between three and seven nights per week. Half employ them every night.
The survey shows venues that deny access to under-18s would be hit hardest by a ban on cigarette vending machines. Average income per week from cigarette sales is £25.46 for outlets allowing access to under-18s, and £56.14 for those that bar entry to minors.
Planned restrictions would cost venues £29m overall, the survey says.
The survey says problems related to underage entry "are being tackled with excellent results", with access for under-18s "greatly reduced".
"All the evidence suggests that late-night venues should not be subject to fresh restrictions on the advertising and display of tobacco products, nor face any restrictions on cigarette vending machines.
"The opportunity for under-18s to access such products are so minimal that the £29m negative impact on an already struggling sector simply can not be justified."
Meanwhile, two out of three late-night operators won't accept ID that features the PASS hologram, the survey shows.
It's despite the fact that the PASS scheme is endorsed by the Government, Association of Chief Police Officers and the main trade bodies. In contrast, 99% accept passports and 98% accept driving licences.
