Tobacco display regulations
It's illegal to display tobacco products in shops and businesses in Jersey. There are certain situations where temporary displays may be allowed but only in the limited circumstances set out in the new law.
A summary of the limited circumstances referred to in the new law are listed below. However, you must comply fully with the law. So we suggest that you read the guidance document provided below in full to avoid any breaches.
- following requests to buy or see tobacco products by a customer over 18 years old (described as a 'requested display' in the legislation)
- incidental displays while staff are actively assessing stock levels for the purposes of stock control
- restocking
- undertaking staff training
- cleaning the storage unit
- maintaining the storage unit
- refurbishing the storage unit
- in specified circumstances by bulk tobacconists
- following a request made by:
- an enforcement officer
- a police officer
- a Customs and Excise officer
Guidance on the display and pricing of tobacco products in Jersey
Changes to the law
If you're the proprietor or manager, you're responsible for making sure that your business complies with the new law. The changes are:
- tobacco products must be stored out of public sight except in the limited circumstances listed in the regulations and guidance
- it will be illegal to show, as well as to sell, tobacco products to a customer under the age of 18 who asks to see or to buy tobacco
- price lists and price labels for tobacco products must only be displayed in the specific formats, which are set out in the new law
These changes are likely to take time and could involve changes to tobacco gantries, so you need to plan well in advance.
Advice on complying with the regulations
A guidance sheet has been produced to help retailers better understand how these changes will affect them and their staff.
It is not intended to be definitive or a substitute for the law, and independent legal advice should be sought where appropriate. Only the courts can interpret statutory legislation with any authority.
You can get further advice and support from the Public Health Department before the law comes into effect. You can contact us on +44 (0) 1534 445808 or by email.
Email the Public Health Department
Graphic picture warnings on cigarette packets
Under the Restriction on Smoking (Jersey) law 1973 all cigarettes packets must display a graphic picture warning. The images displayed are designed to shock; they include images of decaying teeth and damaged lungs. The images are accompanied with warning messages including:
- smokers die younger
- smoking causes fatal lung cancer
- smoking is highly addictive, don’t start
- smoking can cause a slow and painful death
- smoking when pregnant harms your baby
Retailers can only sell cigarettes in packaging with graphic visual images. Anyone that breaches these regulations could face a fine.
Why these regulations are in place
Adding these warnings has been shown to be beneficial in encouraging smokers to quit. It is hoped that these warnings will put young people off smoking and encourage smokers who want to quit to take the next step.
Studies show that someone who smokes a pack a day could potentially be exposed to these health warnings up to 7,300 times a year.
Tobacco continues to be a significant cause of avoidable death and disease. These measures are in place to reinforce existing support to help people to give up smoking.
The regulations
Restriction on Smoking (Advertising, Promotion and Display) (Jersey) Regulations 2013 on Jersey Law website
Restriction on Smoking (Jersey) Law 1973 on the Jersey Law website
gov.je