16-year-old buys 100 cigarettes from vending machines
From Press Office on 03 September 2008
A 16-year-old volunteer managed to buy 100 cigarettes in an exercise carried out by Solihull Council and Solihull NHS Care Trust to test how easy it is for children to buy cigarettes from vending machines.
The underage girl bought the cigarettes from five vending machines in Knowle and Solihull town centre. She was not challenged at any of the locations, and the Council will be investigating the premises involved and deciding on appropriate action.
The exercise was carried out in response to consultation that the Government is carrying out with organisations about how to control the sale of tobacco in the future, including the sale of cigarettes from vending machines.
According to the British Heart Foundation, more than one in six children who are regular smokers, usually buy their cigarettes from vending machines.
Cabinet Member for Quality of Life and Neighbourhoods, Councillor Diana Holl-Allen said: “We work hard with traders to make sure they understand the importance of not selling tobacco products to underage people. It’s disappointing to learn that some are not being vigilant about the people using their vending machine. We urge all traders who have a cigarette vending machine on their premises to think about where it is situated and to ensure staff challenge anyone using the machine who may be underage.”
Alison Trout, Stop Smoking Manager, Solihull NHS Care Trust said: “Smoking is dangerous at any age, but the younger people start, the more likely they are to smoke for longer and to die early from smoking. Someone who starts smoking aged 15 is three times more likely to die of cancer due to smoking than someone who starts in their mid-twenties.”
If you’re concerned about premises that are selling restricted products to underage people, call Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06.
For help in quitting smoking call Solihull NHS Care Trust on 0121 712 8333 to find out what services are available.
For press and media enquiries only: Julie Turner 0121 704 8172
Email: juturner@solihull.gov.uk