NOTTINGHAM TRADERS SPEAK OUT OVER 'HIDDEN Cigarettes'

Nottingham's shopkeepers have spoken out against Government plans to keep Cigarettes out of sight. The proposed changes could come in as soon as this autumn. Pete Juttla, of Pete's News in Radford Road, Hyson Green, said: "Why is the Government putting pressure on the shop-keeper? If they are so bothered about smoking they should stop it at the source. "What am I going to do, put them in a big box under the counter and bend down every time someone wants some? The Government think of this legislation but they don't think how they are going to implement it." But public health minister Dawn Primarolo said on Monday she was prepared to take on retailers and implement the changes as soon as possible. The move to keep Cigarettes out of sight is intended to help stop children and teenagers from starting the habit, but some people are sceptical. Freda Jeffries, of Jeffries Newsagents in Nuthall, said: "I don't think it will make any difference - young people will still know we sell them and still ask for them. Only one or two teenagers ever try to buy them anyway, so I don't really see the point of it all." There are also fears the move will force shop-owners into major equipment and organisational changes. Rajendra Patal, of News Place, Alfreton Road, Radford, said: "How is this going to work? Where are we going to make room under the counter for all these Cigarettes? I don't think it will be practical." The plans, which also include proposals to remove cigarette machines from pubs, bars and restaurants, are set for consultation in May. If implemented, Britain will join just a handful of places considering similar legislation, including Ontario in Canada and two regions of Australia. A recent survey showed 22 per cent of UK adults smoke. The Government's target is to reduce that figure to 21 per cent by 2010.