A sting operation by Trading Standards in Bradford has revealed the shocking ease with which children are able to buy cigarettes from vending machines in the city centre.

The operation, which used test purchases by underage children, targeted pubs, clubs, hotels and amusement arcades in the city centre. In every case the minor was able to buy cigarettes from a vending machine on the premises unchallenged.

The operation was funded by the Department of Health and showed that across the region illegal sales are as high as 85 per cent.

The survey highlighted two recurring problems. First, that the machines were situated in unsupervised positions such as lobbies or corridors.

Second, staff appeared unsure of their responsibilities over the machines. Some assumed that because usually the machines and stock are owned by separate businesses that staff had no authority to control sales.

In all 53 premises were targeted across West Yorkshire, 15 of which were in Bradford. All 53 will now be training staff on their responsibilities, according to Trading Standards.

Six businesses have decided to have the vending machines removed while others have had the machines relocated to more appropriate positions.

Graham Hebblethwaite, West Yorkshire Trading Standards Chief Officer said: “West Yorkshire Trading Standards will follow up these illegal sales and we will be undertaking a wide programme of test purchasing from both shops and vending machines.

“Where appropriate we will bring matters before the court where those found guilty could face a fine of up to £2,500 and ordered to remove or re-site the vending machine.”

Patricia Hodgson, Yorkshire & the Humber Department of Health, said: “Smoking is the number one preventable cause of ill-health and death.

“The younger a person starts smoking the longer and more heavily they tend to smoke.”

Leader of Bradford Council Kris Hopkins said: “The figures for Bradford are shocking and demonstrate that there is a great need for better enforcement.

“A lot has been done in recent years to get the message across to children that smoking kills. These efforts should be redoubled.”