CIGARETTE vending machines could be banned from pubs and clubs if landmark court cases succeed.

Salford council is prosecuting two firms which install the machines as concerns grow that under-age smokers are using them.

The move has been welcomed by a major anti-smoking group which believes the machines have let tobacco companies cash in on child smokers.

The case accuses the two firms of failing to ensure purchasers are not under 18. In a similar case, Lancashire council is prosecuting three vending machine firms.

They are believed to be the first such cases in the country.

In Salford, 15 pubs were targeted in an undercover operation and under-age volunteers were able to buy cigarettes from machines in 12 of them.

Undercover operation

The operation last August was part of a region-wide crackdown. A total of 120 pubs were visited across the north west and cigarettes were obtained from 75. But only Lancashire and Salford have followed up with prosecutions.

Paula Flynn, principal trading standards officer for Salford, said they believed the firms had committed an offence under the Children's and Young Person's Act, which says it is an offence to sell tobacco to anyone under 18.

"The machines and the cigarettes are owned by the companies," she said. "And the money is taken out by their employees.

"In future, we may also look at taking a harsher view of the conduct of the breweries and pub owners regarding possible prosecution."

One of the companies being prosecuted by Salford is also being taken to court by Lancashire, as the firm installs machines throughout the region and was also caught out by the county. The cases are due to go to court next month.

Health concerns

Health concerns are a driving force in the crackdown.

And the councils say many vending machines are in corridors or alcoves, which increase the potential for use by under-age smokers.

Martin Dockrell, of anti-smoking group ASH, said: "Our reaction to these prosecutions is that it's about time.

"We say the vending machine companies are selling cigarettes illegally to children.

"Salford council are determined to prosecute them and we back their action.

"We know that 17 per cent of under-age smokers use vending machines as a regular source for cigarettes.

"It is not fair that shop owners get nicked for selling cigarettes to youngsters, yet these companies get away with it.