All Policies Include Enhanced COVID-19 Cover
Call for an instant quote 0345 90 80 161
Open Mon to Fri 09:00 - 17:30
Coronavirus FAQs
Questions about cover for coronavirus? Read our FAQs and find out what our policies can do for you. If you would like to contact us, please note we are currently only available 09:00 to 17:30 Monday to Friday due to reduced operational capacity. Thank you.
10 April 2015 12:30
It is now illegal for any shop to have cigarettes on display
It is now illegal for retailers of any kind to display tobacco products, with a ban applying to small shops from this week.
Larger-scale retailers and supermarkets have not been able to display cigarettes for three years.
But the Action on Smoking and Health (Ash) campaign group says the latest ban is another leap forwards in the fight to stop people smoking, ahead of standardised packaging next year.
Health risks
Smoking can cause several life-threatening conditions, including lung cancer and heart disease.
Anyone suffering from them would be wise to arrange specialist medical travel insurance when they go overseas, in case they need treatment.
Standardised packaging
Putting tobacco out of the sight of young people is crucial as two in three smokers pick up the habit before they reach adulthood, according to the Ash group's director of policy, Hazel Cheeseman.
She says the switch to standardised packs in May next year will give children even greater protection, as they will no longer be attracted by "glitzy packaging".
However, tobacco retailers are yet to be convinced that banning them from displaying products will have a significant impact on the number of children taking up the habit.
Cigarettes and tobacco represent around a third of newsagents' turnover on average, according to the Tobacco Retailers' Alliance.
It says the Government should be clamping down on the black market and doing more to stop people under the age of 18 getting their hands on cigarettes, rather than banning the display of tobacco.
Fight against temptation
The Department of Health points at evidence that shows more young people do start smoking if they see tobacco on display in shops.
Cancer Research UK's director of cancer prevention, Alison Cox, describes the ban as a positive move.
She says every year 100,000 people die because of smoking, so taking tobacco out of people's view can only be a good thing for their health.
It will protect young people from being attracted by the marketing methods of companies, she says.
04 January 2021
Head north for a light show like no other. Discover how you can see the Northern Lights for yourself.
[more...]
Discover more about the magnificent waterfall perched on the border of Zambia and Zimbabwe.
10 December 2020
Don't sleep on the world's most impressive dormant volcano.
A destination that stands head and shoulders above the rest.
19 November 2020
Take a tour of one of South America's most captivating natural landscapes.
Discover the hidden depths of the world's most recognisable desert gorge.
It's the question on everyone's mind right now - unfortunately, there's still no easy answer...
Discover why planes are more hygienic than you might think.
Dive into Queensland's colourful coral.
02 November 2020
With the global travel industry slowly getting back on its feet, it's a great time for holiday bargain hunters. Here are our top tips for 2021.
Is it possible to fly green? Discover five ways to fly more eco-friendly and reduce the impact of your air travel.
From sustainable architecture to reduced energy consumption, here's how airports around the world are helping to reduce their carbon footprints.