SHOPS across the region are selling cigarettes to underage smokers despite new government legislation, according to an M.E.N. investigation.

Yesterday - the day the legal age for buying tobacco was lifted from 16 to 18 - we sent out a 17-year-old old to test whether the new law was being enforced.

M.E.N. clerical worker Sam Murphy visited seven traders ranging from small newsagents to retail giants Sainsbury's and Tesco.

Sam was ready to admit her age if challenged - but all seven served her without question.

And when we confronted those involved some pointed the finger at the government for not doing enough to make them aware of the new laws.

One even said they were unaware in the raising of the age until we called them.

Abdul Malik, manager of Mekal News on Deansgate in Manchester city centre said he was `in shock'.

He added: "I didn't even know. I had a rough idea that something was coming but wasn't aware it had already happened. I'll be telling my colleagues from now on but we really didn't know."

And Lee Ali, manager of Fazz News on Eccles New Road in Salford said traders had not been enough notice.

"It's come out of the blue," he said.

Tesco, whose city centre Quay Street store served Sam, apologised and said staff had been trained on the new laws.

They added: "Anyone who looks under 21 - as opposed to under 18 -should be asked to produce ID, so this is an error for which we apologise. While staff have been trained and are familiar with the new change it may take a day or two to really bed down."

And Sainsbury's, whose store at the junction of Deansgate and Bridge Street also handed over cigarettes said staff were being given ongoing training to make sure they did not serve underage smokers.

The survey's findings go against claims made by traders group British Retail Consortium.

Director General Kevin Hawkins said retailers were behind the switch to 18 but were bracing themselves for confrontations with 16 and 17-year-olds. He added: "Retailers are well aware of the change and have been doing their bit to inform customers."

Other stores that served Sam, McColl's on Bridge Street in the city centre, a Shell garage on Regent Road and EC Milward General Store on Eccles New Road, Salford, were unavailable for comment.

Sam said: "Although I'm not a smoker, a few of my friends are and I am sure none of them know the law has changed. And going in the shops today you certainly would not have any idea it had."

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