A NEWSAGENTS in Balloch is preparing for the introduction of new legislation aimed at discouraging the numbers of smokers in the UK.

Only a few short months are left before tobacco legislation introduced last year is enforced for retailers.

But Loch Lomond News, based in Ben Lomond Way, is already clearing the decks and making alterations to their current display of tobacco products.

The Tobacco and Related Products Regulations 2016 requires all tobacco products sold in the UK to have standardised packaging.

Shops selling tobacco and related products have until May 2017 to sell off existing packaging before the plain packaging comes into full effect.

Loch Lomond News, at Loch Lomond Shores, has gone one step further and moved cigarettes under the counter and hidden from view.

Andrew Howell, Loch Lomond News’ owner, said: "I have been toying with the idea of removing the gantry for some time as the plain shutters are not very attractive to look at, but was worried that it may harm sales.

"However, in May there is some new legislation coming in to effect which I believe will do this anyway.

"So, although I will still be carrying the core range, a number of brands will be disappearing."

The prominent space on the wall behind the counter which previously housed cigarettes will now display some of the toys and collectibles available in the shop.

Andy went on to say: "I also like the fact that it will be taking them out of sight of children.

"In fact, I have used the extra space to display some of the many Pokémon toys we have in stock."

Clare Gemmell, Loch Lomond Shores’ general manager, said: "As a father of young children, Andy is keen that children are kept away from the health dangers of smoking.

"Loch Lomond News has won national awards for the range of toys and collectibles, so it’s great to see them take pride of place."

Last year saw Loch Lomond News scoop the awards for Collectables Retailer of the Year category at the Scottish Grocer Awards in March and Collectable Product Retailer of the Year by the National Federation of Retailer Newsagents (NFRN) in November.