Campaigners back effort to reduce new smokers

Campaigners across the Highlands are supporting an initiative aimed at challenging adults who buy or give cigarettes to young people.

The #notafavour campaign aims to make it clear that helping under 18s get cigarettes is helping them become not only addicted but end up with multiple health problems and financial worries.

Often, adults who provide young people with products feel they are doing them a favour.

David MacKenzie, Highland Council Trading Standards Manager, said: “We are delighted to help the young people of the Highlands by supporting the #notafavour campaign. Most people here wouldn’t dream of buying tobacco for kids, but for those who do we want to challenge the attitudes and assumptions behind this behaviour – you are most certainly not doing them any favours. What you are doing is illegal and could land you with an onthe-spot fine of £200.”

The campaign has been developed by Action on Smoking and Health (ASH) Scotland and the Scottish Tobacco-free Alliance, as part of an effort to reduce the 36 young people who take up smoking every day.

Eve MacLeod, NHS Highland health improvement specialist, said: “We want to support young people in Highland make healthy choices about tobacco and smoking. We’re pleased to be supporting the #notafavour campaign, which encourages adults not to buy tobacco for our young people. This will help protect young people against the harms of smoking.”