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Kids in cigarette sale shame

An investigation has found that sales of cigarettes to underage children have increased by 50 per cent in a year.
Trading standards officers across England got more than 2,300 16-year-olds to try to buy smokes from supermarket chains, off licences, petrol stations and newsagents.

Youngsters were rarely challenged when using a cigarette vending machine in a pub or club.
A fifth of 16-year-olds were sold packs over the counter at independent newsagents without being asked any questions or to provide ID.

One in 10 petrol stations, off licences and corner shops also broke the law.

The research was carried out for local government law enforcement body Lacors, which is now calling for a ban on vending machines. Chairman Geoffrey Theobald said: "This worrying increase shows that retailers aren't doing enough to make sure they do not sell cigarettes to children."

"This isn't rocket science. If they suspect someone is under age who cannot prove otherwise, then they must refuse to serve them or face the consequences."

Source: The Mirror, 30th June 2008
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