Tobacco Warning

Source from:  nwemail.co.uk 12/09/2007  09/13/2007

SHOPKEEPERS are being reminded it will be illegal to sell tobacco to under 18s in less than three weeks. From October 1 the county council's Trading Standards Officers will be carrying out spot checks to make sure stores are sticking to the new law. If they aren't they could be slapped with a £2,500 fine. Previously shopkeepers could sell cigarettes to anyone over 16, but it's hoped the new law will make it easier for retailers to spot underage buyers. Products affected will include cigarettes, cigars, loose rolling tobacco and rolling papers. Cumbria's consumer watchdog boss, Phil Ashcroft, said: "I welcome this move as tobacco is highly addictive and dangerous to health and raising the minimum age for buying is another deterrent in the fight against smoking and its effects. "My message to retailers is that they should treat tobacco in the same way as alcohol - so if someone looks under 21 then they should ask for ID to be safe." Trading Standards Department will be carrying out mystery shopper checks. Enditem