Radio New Zealand - Te Reo Irirangi o Aotearoa

Cigarette vending machines banned in England

Updated at 7:12 am on 2 October 2011

Cigarette vending machines have been banned in England, a move the government hopes will cut the numbers of children smoking.

Anyone caught selling cigarettes from the machines, usually found in pubs and clubs, could face a fine of £2500.

However, pubs will still be able to sell cigarettes from behind the bar.

The BBC reports an estimated 35 million cigarettes are sold illegally through vending machines to children every year.

Elsewhere in Britain: cigarette vending machines are to be banned in Northern Ireland in February, while Scotland and Wales are committed to introducing a ban.

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