Retailers warned about new tobacco controls

The Office of Tobacco Control has launched a campaign warning bar and shop owners that they will be fined up to £2,000 for selling cigarettes to people under the age of 18.

The age limit for buying cigarettes was changed from 16 to 18 years at the start of this month and retailers have been warned that environmental health officers will be enforcing the new law.

It will also be an offence to allow anyone under 18 to use cigarette vending machines.