Survey shock over use of cigarette machines by children

Underage youngsters were able to buy cigarettes in 58 out of 99 cases in a survey carried out by Trading Standards officers.

Children aged between 11 and 16 went into bars, amusement arcades, bowling alleys and other outlets across the region.

On most occasions, the children were able to buy cigarettes from machines unchallenged by staff.

One 15-year-old was given change by staff to make sure he could buy from the machine.

Some employees even helped children who were having difficulty getting the money into the slot.

Officers said that most failures to purchase cigarettes were due to faulty coins or machines, rather than the children being stopped by staff.

Even the 11-year-old was only turned away twice in 14 attempts.

The North-East Trading Standards Association has recently called for cigarette vending machines to be banned.

The tests were carried out to show how easy it is for children to buy cigarettes, even though the legal age to buy tobacco is now 18.

Richard Ferry, from the North-East Trading Standards Association, said: “We have always thought that these machines are a menace and this massive regional study shows that it really is time to ban these machines.

“Vending machines are expensive, but remain a significant source of cigarettes for young people, which is why we carryout regular checks like these.

“We must reduce the availability of a dangerous product to youngsters and banning vending machines would have a big impact.”

According to the association, surveys show 17 per cent of regular smokers aged 11 to 15 usually buy their cigarettes from vending machines.

In contrast, last year only one in 20 adult daily smokers said they had bought cigarettes from vending machines over the past six months.

Trading Standards authorities will now be taking further steps in the most serious cases.

This can include legal action or a recommendation to a magistrates’ court to order the machine is removed.