LONDON – Cigarettes and other tobacco products can longer be displayed in stores in Scotland, the BBC reports. 

Under the Tobacco and Primary Medical Services (Scotland) Act 2010, the sale of cigarettes from vending machines is also banned. Stores found to be non-compliant face criminal conviction or a monetary fine. 

Similar bans in large stores have already been implemented in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

The ban was enacted in an effort to decrease the country’s smoking rate, especially among youths. 

"These bans are the right step to prevent young people in Scotland from taking up smoking,” said Public Health Minister Michael Matheson. "Each year, tobacco use is associated with over 13,000 deaths and 56,000 hospital admissions in Scotland.

"That is why it is so important that this government works to improve health by reducing the number of people who choose to smoke and evidence shows that young people exposed to the promotion of tobacco are more likely to try smoking."

The Tobacco Retailers' Alliance (TRA) - which represents more than 26,000 stores across the U.K. — and the Scottish Grocers’ Federation have opposed the legislation. 

"We think it's unnecessary. We don't believe that displays of cigarettes behind the counter actually influences anyone to buy cigarettes,” said John Hammond, a Federation spokesperson. "There is no doubt that smoking can be harmful but it's a legal practice.

"We stock it, sell it, and will continue to do so." 

Large shops in Scotland are defined as those with a floor area exceeding 280 square meters (3,014 square feet). Smaller stores have until April 6, 2015, to comply with the ban.