Government plans to introduce plain packaging for tobacco products have been given a further leg-up after members of the House of Lords voted in favour of the legislation.

The powers, which are still subject to further debate in the House of Commons, would give ministers the ability to impose standardised tobacco rules through regulations.

The legislation also made clear that UK ministers would be able to impose standardised packaging in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

The final decision on whether or not to enforce plain packaging will be made after the government has examined the review, which is currently being carried about by paediatrician Cyril Chantler. 

The Association of Convenience Stores (ACS) is preparing a submission to the Chantler Review and is actively engaging with ministers to explain the negative impact that plain packaging could have on convenience stores.

It will be drawing on the negative experience of retailers in Australia, where plain packaging has been in place since December 2012.

The Children and Families Bill will now progress to Third Reading in the House of Lords and then will be subject to approval in the House of Commons before it becomes legislation. The Chantler Review is expected to report to ministers in March 2014.