TOBACCO kiosks in Scotland's larger shops and supermarkets will soon have a very different look when the Scottish Government's ban on the display of cigarettes, and other tobacco products, comes into effect on Monday, April 29.

Under the new rules, which are part of The Tobacco and Primary Medical Services (Scotland) Act 2010, larger shops must ensure that tobacco products are stored out of sight of the public and it also sets a limit on the size of any temporary display Vending machines for the automatic dispensing of tobacco products will also be banned on the same day.

Smaller retailers will be given until Monday, April 6, 2015, to comply with the display ban as they may need extra time to make the necessary changes.

Councillor Tom Cook, Spokesperson for Improving Community Safety said "The Trading Standards Service is responsible locally for ensuring compliance with the new rules and our Officers have been working with businesses affected offering advice during the transition period. They will be visiting again in due course to ensure compliance.

"These new rules are part of an ongoing range of measures being introduced by the Scottish Government in their commitment to protect the health and welfare of our population. It is believed these steps will discourage young people from taking up smoking and help to assist those who are trying to stop." Trading Standards can be contacted at Civic Centre South, John Dickie Street, Kilmarnock, KA1 1HW. Telephone Number 01563 576602 or by email: trading.standards@east-ayrshire.gov.uk