Court to examine legality of cigarette sale inspections

The High Court has reportedly been asked to consider whether health authorities are acting illegally by using minors to catch retailers who sell cigarettes to under-18s.

Reports this morning said a District Court judge in Sligo had referred the matter to the High Court after acquitting a shop owner and sales assistant who sold cigarettes to a 14-year-old girl.

The teenager was acting as a volunteer for the North Western Health Board, which pursued a prosecution following the sale.

This morning's reports said Justice Oliver McGuinness had referred the case to the High Court due to concerns that the practice of using minors could amount to illegal entrapment.