Cigarette vending machines could soon be removed from pubs and clubs across the country after MPs agreed to ban them.

An amendment to the health bill, proposed by Labour’s Ian McCartney, was passed by the Commons last night (October 12th) and could soon become law if approved in the House of Lords.

The move is designed to make it harder for children to get hold of cigarettes and was welcomed by anti-smoking group Action on Smoking and Health (Ash).

Chief executive Deborah Arnott commented: ‘Stopping tobacco sales from vending machines has made a strong bill even stronger.

‘We wouldn’t tolerate other age-restricted products such as alcohol or knives being sold in this way.’

The British Heart Foundation’s chief executive, Peter Hollins, also welcomed the news, describing it as a ‘victory’ for the charity’s campaigners.

‘We look forward to all parties backing a new tobacco control strategy to help keep the government’s foot on the pedal on this crucial agenda,’ he added.