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North teens back bid to ban cigarette machines

Apr 26 2009 by David Old, Sunday Sun

CHILD smokers are pleading for cigarette vending machines to be banned from pubs to help them kick the habit, the Sunday Sun can reveal

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The youngsters have joined a high profile health adviser in calling on the Government to push through a Bill to stub out machines in pubs and clubs and restrict advertising in shops.

At present, youngsters claim they can walk into pubs virtually unchallenged and plough money into the vending machines, which are largely unused by adults due to their excessive prices.

The machines are often situated near pub entrances or in passages, giving children relatively easy access to them.

Teenagers Jamie Caffery and Lewis Mann told how they have been hooked on the deadly habit since they were just 11 years old, having bought their first cigarette for just 20p.

But what started out as a few puffs out of curiosity turned into a dangerous addiction for the now 14-year-olds.

The Washington Comprehensive pupils want the law changed to stop shops displaying rows of cigarettes.

Jamie, of Lanercost, Washington, said: “I saw other people smoking so I wanted to try it. My first smoke cost me 20p from a friend.

“I smoke 10 a day now and buy them with my pocket money. I can’t play football because I get out of breath really quickly.

“ I can’t run and I’ve got a right bad chest and I cough in the mornings.

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