Cigarettes and Tobacco News

Jul 27, 2006 -- Wigan is backing a bid to stub out cigarette sales to under-18s.

Trading standards will support the move with a campaign to haul traders breaching the new law before the magistrates.

Wigan's trading standards boss Alan Blundell is urging the council's ruling cabinet to speak out in favour of raising the age limit for the purchase of tobacco products by two years, in response to a new government consultation.

Although you can legally buy cigarettes at 16 across the UK, the most common age limit for such sales across the EU, Austrailia, New Zealand and most of the US is 18.

He also points out that having a uniform age at which you can buy alcohol, fireworks and solvents would simplify enforcement and reduce the costs of publicity and training.

It would also end the current anomaly whereby 16 year olds can buy cigarettes, but must wait a further two years until they are old enough to buy lighter fuel.

Mr Blundell said: "Trading Standards strongly supports raising the age to 18.

"Nationally, both retailers and enforcers favour a common age for these products. It would also deliver a consistent message on health and safety."

The Government is considering granting retailers a licence, similar to that required for alcohol sales.

This could be revoked if they were found to be repeatedly selling cigarettes to under-age customers.

A test purchasing scheme for cigarettes would immediately be enforced, should the proposals become law.