Islanders and tourists on Schiermonnikoog will not be able to buy tobacco legally when new rules banning supermarket sales come into force on July 1.

The village supermarket is the only place with a licence to sell tobacco, but will no longer be able to do so when the law comes into effect. The legislation is part of the government’s drive to create a “smoke-free generation” by 2040.

But local mayor Ineke van Gent fears the change will cause a spike in illegal cigarette sales and is investigating what other options are available.

“The fact is that at the moment sales are subject to good, strict controls. If an unregulated trade in tobacco emerges from this, it will be bad for our young islanders and tourists,” she told RTL Nieuws.

Lauwersoog, the small port in Groningen where ferries to Schiermonnikoog depart from, will also lose its only sales point in July. The nearest place to buy tobacco legally will be a petrol station in Dokkum, 20 kilometres further down the road.

Other supermarkets around the Netherlands have set up separate tobacco stores to get around the ban, but franchise holder Eric Brunekreef said it was not a viable option on an island with a resident population of around 1,000.

“I have no illusions that people will stop if they can’t buy from me,” he said. “It’s quiet now, but in high season someone will undoubtedly see a trading opportunity.”