UNDER-age youngsters who buy cigarettes from secluded vending machines are being targeted by a new campaign in Warrington.
A Trading Standards survey across the region suggests that 10 per cent of 14-17 year olds regularly purchase cigarettes from vending machines.
Now Warrington Borough Council is introducing new rules regarding cigarette machines to cut the risk of under-age young people buying tobacco.
Restaurants and bars that already have them will still be able to sell tobacco – but the sale will have to be made by a member of staff rather than a machine. This is to help ensure that all customers are over 18.
The council says that historically machines have been located in quiet, unsupervised corners away from bars and other staff supervised areas, making them more readily accessible to young people.
Cllr David Keane, the council’s executive member for environment and public protection, said: “The risk of young people buying tobacco direct from vending machines will soon come to an end.
“We are confident that these changes will make a difference and contribute to our existing plans to tackle underage access to tobacco in our town.”
Warrington’s public protection team warn that people caught selling tobacco to anyone directly from a vending machine, regardless of age, could be fined up to £2,500.
UNDER-age youngsters who buy cigarettes from secluded vending machines are being targeted by a new campaign in Warrington.
Cigarette vending machine clampdown
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Gary Skentelbery
Experienced journalist for more than 40 years. Managing Director of magazine publishing group with three in-house titles and on-line daily newspaper for Warrington. Experienced writer, photographer, PR consultant and media expert having written for local, regional and national newspapers. Specialties: PR, media, social networking, photographer, networking, advertising, sales, media crisis management. Chair of Warrington Healthwatch Director Warrington Chamber of Commerce Patron Tim Parry Johnathan Ball Foundation for Peace. Trustee Warrington Disability Partnership. Former Chairman of Warrington Town FC.
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“Warrington Borough Council is introducing new rules…..” No they are not. The law is changing on a national level. Cllr Keane should know this, and should refrain from claiming the credit for changes his own party declined to bring in when they were in power at Westminster.