However, the Tele has heard evidence that suggests many shops in Dundee are not checking identification rigorously enough.

It seems many young people are still able to buy tobacco products without being asked to prove their age — and those who cannot simply ask a friend to try for them.

Robert Jones (16) said the law had made no difference — if anything it had made him “more adamant to smoke”.

“Sometimes I get ID’d but not very often, and corner shops are much less likely to ask your age. I’ve been in with my school uniform on and the guy at the counter just told me to make sure I didn’t open them until I was round the corner.

“People who want to smoke will do it no matter what law the government introduces,” he added.

Duncan Scott (17) said he was not a heavy smoker but that he always bought his cigarettes in corner shops.

“The law hasn’t altered my habits. I very rarely get ID’d but if I do I just go somewhere else.

“Bigger shops got a bit stricter straight after the law was introduced, but now they have relaxed again and everyone I know goes to small shops to buy them anyway.”

Lesley Cunningham (17) said she was not a smoker but was often asked to buy cigarettes for younger school children.

“Since the law was introduced me and my friends get a lot of younger kids, who are probably about 13 or 14, coming up to us in the street and asking us to buy them cigarettes.

“We say no but it’s really annoying because we’re not even 18.”

Daniel Westwood (17) stopped smoking recently, but explained the law had no impact on his decision.

“I didn’t stop because I couldn’t buy them, I just did it because I realised it wasn’t good for me and because it was expensive.

“I think making the age limit 18 has actually made it worse, because smoking is seen as more exciting, more like alcohol.

“Anyone can get hold of cigarettes —you always know someone who can buy them for you and there are also vending machines that aren’t checked.”