Blitz on underage cigarette sales

Shop staff who illegally sell cigarettes to underage smokers are being targeted by trading standards officers in Leicester.

Leicestershire County Council said its trading standards team planned to undertake a series of test purchases using children under 18.

Over the last year the council received 25 complaints about underage sales and counterfeit or smuggled tobacco.

Shops will also be inspected to ensure age restriction notices are displayed.

'Illicit tobacco'

David Bull, head of Leicestershire County Council Trading Standards Service, said: "Unfortunately there are a minority of businesses and individuals who continue to flout the law which is there to protect the health of our young people.

"I am also concerned about the rise in availability of cheap illicit tobacco that can find its way into the hands of young persons.

"This plan of work will help counter this and will make an important contribution to preventing young people from taking up the smoking habit.

The maximum fine for selling tobacco products to anyone under the age of 18 is £2,500.