Anti-smoking groups want retail rules tightened Pic: © STV
Anti-smoking campaigners have urged MSPs to pass new legislation banning the display of tobacco and sales of cigarettes from vending machines.
The group ASH Scotland said such moves are "vital" and if approved would mean Scotland remained a "world leader" in tobacco control.
However, tobacco manufacturers and retailers have hit out at the proposed display ban, with Christopher Ogden, chief executive of the Tobacco Manufacturers' Association, said it is "unnecessary, unjustified and unwanted".
And John Drummond of the Scottish Grocers' Federation branded the move "a policy gimmick that would impose costs and disruption on retailers".
But public health minister Shona Robison already said the measures, contained in the Tobacco and Primary Medical Services Bill, are aimed at making cigarettes less attractive and less easily available to children.
ASH Scotland chief executive Sheila Duffy said the legislation could help reduce the 15,000 youngsters in Scotland who start smoking every year.
She said: "The measures outlined in the Bill are vital if we are to prevent childhood addiction to smoking and see a turnaround in our longer term public health. I urge all MSPs to vote in favour of the Bill."
Holyrood has given its backing to the general principles of new legislation, which was put forward by the Scottish Government and is due to be debated for the final time this afternoon.
In addition to proposing to ban the display of tobacco and the sale of cigarettes through vending machines, the Bill aims to introduce fixed penalty notices for retailers who sell cigarettes to under-18s.
It also includes measures which would exclude certain individuals or private firms from entering into contracts with health boards to provide GP services.
