Health Bill [HL]

I used the phrase "public places". I am also concerned about age-verification systems, because those who say that we can deal with the matter by providing ID cards should know that ID checks are still not being carried out stringently enough on alcohol sales. According to Home Office figures, in 2004, 22 per cent of 10 to 17 year-olds who had drunk alcohol had obtained it from bars and pubs; 34 per cent of on-trade venues failed to check ID cards for young people. If a significant number of under-18s are still able to obtain alcohol from pubs and bars, it is highly questionable that an ID-based age verification system will be sufficiently foolproof to stop underage tobacco sales from vending machines. I also support the noble Lord in relation to adults. Although I tend to concentrate on children, many people have talked to me about their wish to give up smoking to enhance their health, but they are perpetually faced by temptation through displays and the ease of access of vending machines. We all know what it is like when you are trying to give up chocolate and it is there on the station. That is true of cigarettes, too.