A MASSIVE 80% of shops in an undercover sting illegally sold cigarettes to an under-age girl.

A MASSIVE 80% of shops in an undercover sting illegally sold cigarettes to an under-age girl.

The findings have shocked trading standards officers in Renfrewshire who now plan a clampdown on irresponsible traders.

Last year, the legal age for buying cigarettes was raised from 16 to 18 and trading standards officers recently tested the new law by sending a 15-year-old girl to 36 shops in Renfrew and Paisley.

They were stunned when staff in 29 sold her cigarettes despite the fact she did not look old enough.

Marie McGurk, chairman of Renfrewshire Council's environment and infrastructure policy board, said: "It takes your breath away that so many local traders are willing to ignore the law.

"In the past few years our trading standards officers have carried out a number of test purchasing operations but this year's results are the worst ever.

"The age limit is there for a very good reason - a child who starts smoking aged 14 or less is five times more likely to die of lung cancer than someone who starts at 24 or older.

"They are 15 times more likely to die of lung cancer than someone who never smokes at all."

Each year smoking-related illnesses kill 585 people in Renfrewshire.

Ms McGurk said on the results of the sting: "There is no excuse for these appalling figures.

"The Scottish Government sent all of Renfrewshire's 485 retailers an information pack about the increase in the age limit.

"Many of the shops which sold cigarettes to our tester were displaying posters about the new, higher age limit.

"We are sending a clear warning to traders - our trading standards officers will be carrying out more test purchasing operations and traders who sell cigarettes to children will be reported to the Procurator Fiscal."

Selling tobacco to someone under the age of 18 carries a maximum fine of £2500.

Test purchasers must be at least 18 months younger than the age limit for the product they're trying to buy and look young enough to prompt questions.

Glasgow City Council also uses under-age youngsters to see if traders will sell alcohol or cigarettes to children.

A spokesman said test purchasing is just one of a "package of measures" they use to prevent sales to under-agers.

• Anyone in Renfrewshire who suspects a retailer may be selling cigarettes to under-18s is asked to contact trading standards on 0141 840 3460 or email them at: es.ts@renfrewshire.gov.uk