NEWSAGENTS ACT OVER 'LADS MAGS'

BBC News, 25 March 2006
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/4843808.stm

Newspapers and magazines with sexual content are to be moved to higher
shelves under new guidelines.

The deal, struck between newsagents and Home Office officials, is not
legally binding but trading standards will be able to reprimand
offending outlets.

MPs and campaigners had raised concerns about explicit content in
so-called "lad mags" and some tabloid newspapers.

The advice being issued to 19,000 newsagents is to display such
magazines out of the sight of children.

But the new measures will not specify they should be placed on the top
shelf.

The guidelines do not name any magazines but titles such as Loaded,
Nuts and Zoo are likely to be included in its remit.

Newspapers such as the Daily Sport can remain on the bottom shelf if
they are folded in a way to conceal sexually explicit content.

The guidelines were drawn up by the National Federation of Retail
Newsagents (NFRN), which represents 19,000 independent newsagents.

Spokesman Colin Finch said although it was a voluntary code extending
existing restrictions on top shelf titles, trading standards officials
could reprimand offenders.

But Diane Abbott, the MP for Hackney in east London where one
newsagent has campaigned for 15 years on this issue, is backing a
petition pushing for legislation.

She said: "You cannot sell cigarettes to children, you cannot sell
glue to children, but you can sell hardcore porn to children. That is
not right."

Children's rights

Home Office officials met the NRFN earlier this March and newsagents
will receive the guidelines in the next few days.

A Home Office spokeswoman said: "We are aware of concern that has been
expressed about sexually provocative material which is commonly
available on the lower shelves of newsagents' shops.

"We are determined to ensure that the interests of children are
appropriately safeguarded in this regard."

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Also see here:
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Porn-creep in the corner shop

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Brave New Britain