| A spokesperson for trading standards said 15 of the 33 shops tested between October 2007 and the present day were prepared to sell cigarettes to a 15-year-old boy.
Written warnings were issued in 14 of the cases, as it was considered to be their first offence. In one case, a report was submitted to the Procurator Fiscal, with the prosecution yet to come to court.
When the system of test purchases using a volunteer was last reviewed in June, four out five tobacco retailers tested in Dundee were prepared to serve a 15-year-old volunteer.
Convener of Dundee City Council’s environment protection committee, George Regan said, “Knowledge of the legislation seems to be increasing among retailers in the city.
“These latest figures show an improvement since the last survey.
“But ignorance of the law is no excuse and it is clear that if retailers are in any doubt about the age of someone who wants to buy cigarettes they should ask to see proof.
“No-one can argue about the damage under-age smoking causes to youngsters, in the short-term as well as later in life.
“Retail staff must be aware of the rules and apply them rigorously in every case to protect the health of children and to stay on the right side of the law.”
Shopkeepers face fines of up to £2500 at present and, under proposals being brought forward this spring, could face on-the-spot fines and be barred from selling cigarettes. The Scottish Government has pledged £1.5m to enforce the tobacco sales law, with more “sting” operations planned. |
