Curbing illegal cigarette sales to children: an assessment of an initiative in Sandwell

Changes in the enforcement of laws prohibiting the sale of cigarettes to under-16-year-olds are reviewed, and the role of health authorities in ensuring that the law is rigorously enforced is discussed. Results of concerted test-purchase campaigns in various parts of the country are discussed in relation to Sandwell's 1995/96 findings. These show lower levels of sales than in some other parts of the country. Prosecutions have been successful, with fines in the lower range of those imposed around the country. Various ways of continuing this initiative are discussed.