Tobacco and Primary Medical Services (Scotland) Act 2010

Coat of Arms of the United Kingdom in Scotland (Variant 1)

Tobacco and Primary Medical Services (Scotland) Act 2010

The Tobacco and Primary Medical Services (Scotland) Act 2010 is an Act of the Scottish Parliament that was enacted to regulate the sale and display of tobacco products and to make provisions regarding primary medical services in Scotland. The Act received Royal Assent on 3 March 2010.

Provisions of the Act

Tobacco Control

The Act includes several measures aimed at reducing the consumption of tobacco products. Key provisions include:

• **Ban on Display of Tobacco Products**: Retailers are prohibited from displaying tobacco products in their shops. This measure is intended to reduce the visibility of tobacco products and, consequently, the impulse to purchase them.
• **Prohibition of Vending Machines**: The sale of tobacco products through vending machines is banned. This is to prevent underage individuals from accessing tobacco products easily.
• **Registration of Tobacco Retailers**: All retailers who sell tobacco products must register with the Scottish Government. This helps in monitoring and enforcing tobacco control measures.
• **Enforcement and Penalties**: The Act provides for enforcement measures and penalties for non-compliance with its provisions. Local authorities are responsible for enforcing the Act.

Primary Medical Services

The Act also includes provisions related to the delivery of primary medical services in Scotland. These provisions aim to ensure that high-quality medical services are accessible to the population. Key aspects include:

• **General Medical Services Contracts**: The Act outlines the terms and conditions under which general medical services are provided. This includes the responsibilities of General Practitioners (GPs) and the standards of care that must be met.
• **Health Boards**: The Act empowers NHS Health Boards to make arrangements for the provision of primary medical services. This includes the ability to enter into contracts with service providers and to ensure that services are available to meet the needs of the population.

Impact and Reception

The Tobacco and Primary Medical Services (Scotland) Act 2010 has been a significant step in public health policy in Scotland. The measures to control tobacco sales and display have been praised for their potential to reduce smoking rates, particularly among young people. The provisions related to primary medical services have also been seen as important for maintaining and improving the quality of healthcare in Scotland.

See Also

• Smoking in Scotland
• Public Health (Scotland) Act 2008
• NHS Scotland
• General Medical Council
• Health and Social Care in Scotland