A test purchasing operation in Wirral has shown just how easy it was for an underage teenager to buy cigarettes from tobacco vending machines in pubs.

The sting by consumer watchdog Wirral Trading Standards found that a 15-year-old was able to buy cigarettes in eight out of the ten pubs they checked.

Warning letters have now been sent to landlords reminding them of their responsibilities.

Councillor Gill Gardiner, Wirral Council cabinet member for environment, said: “The recent operation provided shocking results.

"Only one pub out of those targeted asked the volunteer for proof of age.

"The final pub would have also allowed the teenager to buy cigarettes, except the coins were rejected by the machine.

“This meant the child volunteer was able to purchase cigarettes in a massive 80% of the pubs tested.

"This is a giant leap compared to a similar operation carried out in June, 2009, when only 46% of pubs sold cigarettes to the underaged.”

Warning letters have been sent to all of the premises which sold to the 15-year-old, explaining that legal action will be taken should any further breaches occur.

Trading Standards has also provided advice to these pubs as to how to avoid underage children from purchasing cigarettes.

It is a criminal offence to sell cigarettes or any other tobacco product to any person under the age of 18.

Anyone found breaching the law can face a fine of up to £2,500, and if further sales take place, Trading Standards can apply to the courts to ban premises or specific individuals from selling tobacco.

From October next year, the sale of tobacco from vending machines will be prohibited under new legislation.

Traders who want advice should contact Andrew Bushell at Wirral Trading Standards on 0151 691 8033.

If anyone knows of pubs or retail premises which sell cigarettes to underage children they can report it anonymously to Trading Standards at www.dontignoreit.co.uk or telephone 0151 691 8020.