WEST Yorkshire Trading Standards (WYTS) is urging small business owners to be wary of new laws on how cigarettes and tobacco products can be displayed in shops from April onwards.

The new legislation, set to come into effect on April 6, dictates that small retailers can only use plain lists and labels to advertise tobacco.

Non-compliance with the new law will be a criminal offence, and any shop managers or assistants found guilty could receive a fine of up to £5,000, or a prison sentence of up to two years.

Retailers must also still ensure they comply with Price Marking Order Regulations, which require the price of goods to be clearly displayed in-store.

David Lodge, head of WYTS, said: “The tobacco display ban for smaller retailers comes into effect in April, and is an important strand in stopping young people from smoking.”