The number of shops selling cigarettes to underage youngsters has dropped, claims Hampshire county council.
According to latest statistics to mark No Smoking Day, one in ten outlets sells to minors, down from one in four. Since 2008 it has been illegal to sell tobacco to anyone under the age of 18 with a maximum fine of £2,500.
County council leader Ken Thornber commented: “It’s very encouraging that sales have reduced from one in four stores across Hampshire last year, to fewer than one in ten, however there is still work to be done to bring this figure down to zero. Businesses selling cigarettes have a duty to help prevent underage smoking and although their frontline shop staff may have been trained and updated on the law in reality, it appears that some are still thinking cigarettes are a 16 year old product.”
If anyone suspects cigarettes are being sold underage contact Hampshire Trading Standards on 01962 833620 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
