Wirral children dodge smoking law by buying cigarettes in pubs

Jun 17 2009 Heswall News

YOUNGSTERS are dodging the age ban on smoking by buying cigarettes in pubs, a survey on Merseyside has found.

A Wirral Trading Standards investigation has shown that, in six out of 13 pubs visited, a 14-year-old child volunteer was able to buy cigarettes from vending machines. Only one pub asked the volunteer for proof of age.

In one pub, the teenager even managed to turn the machine on at the wall and then put money into it without being challenged by staff.

Cllr Gill Gardiner, Wirral's cabinet member for environment, said: “Trading Standards are working with tobacco retailers to stop the sale of cigarettes to young people.

“I would urge licensed premises to ensure that they are vigilant in preventing young people having access to vending machines.”