According to one embodiment, a thermal head is provided opposite to a platen roller. A ribbon transport unit transports an ink ribbon between the thermal head and the platen roller. A transport unit transports a sheet carrying a label between the thermal head and the platen roller. A clamping mechanism clamps the ink ribbon, a printing area of the label and the sheet in the thermal head and the platen roller. An acquisition unit acquires first print data to be printed on a first label and second print data to be printed on a second label. A non-printing area specifying unit specifies a non-printing area on the sheet, based on the first print data and the second print data. The control unit separates the ink ribbon and the sheet when it is transported between the thermal head and the platen roller, and stops the transport of the ink ribbon.