RETAILERS in North Yorkshire are being warned they face prosecution if they allow the underage purchase of cigarettes.

North Yorkshire County Council's trading standards officers have pledged to crack down on stores failing to apply the new age limit for purchasing tobacco products.

From October 1, tobacco can only be bought by over-18s.

Officers are currently ensuring that all retailers are aware of the change in legislation and that they train their sales staff accordingly.

County councillor Helen Swiers, executive member for trading standards and regulatory services, said: "I urge retailers to adopt a blanket policy of requiring proof of age from anyone who looks under 21.

"We have been working with traders for many years to cut under-age sales in the county and this is another step which will help to reduce the availability of cigarettes to minors.

"The current age restriction of 16 for tobacco dates back to the beginning of the last century, well before scientific evidence was available to demonstrate the real health impact of smoking."

Notices required under existing legislation, which state: "It is illegal to sell tobacco products to persons under 16," need to be replaced with ones showing the new age limit. They are available from the council, on 0845-8727374.