YOUNG smokers in Huddersfield have questioned the change in the tobacco sales law which now bans anyone under 18 from buying cigarettes.

They say that if the Government wanted to stop them from smoking they should raise the age limit for people smoking cigarettes rather than buying them.

Their views come as a report published by West Yorkshire Trading Standards says nine out of 10 retailers in Kirklees were not prepared for the age change laws, which came into force this week.

In recent tests trading standards officers visited 10 retailers and 16 and 17-year-olds were able to buy tobacco products in all but one shop.

Clr Derrick Yates, chairman of the county’s trading standards committee, said: “The level of businesses which appear not to be prepared for this important change in the law is alarming.”

But one young smoker says it is not enough to stop teenagers smoking.

Huddersfield University student Alex Stafford, who is 18, said: “I didn’t even know the age limit had changed until I was asked for some ID to buy some cigarettes yesterday morning.

“I haven’t been asked for ID since I was 16, so it was a bit of a surprise.

“I can see the logic behind it in that it might stop a 13-year-old buying them, but the health risks are there for everyone no matter how old they are.

“Teenagers will always find a way of getting hold of cigarettes.”

Stuart Weston, 17, an apprentice from Wakefield working in Huddersfield, said: “I only just heard about, but to me it doesn’t make sense as it doesn’t stop me from smoking.

“I am 17, so what I want to know is can I still smoke? It seems I can’t legally buy cigarettes, but I can legally smoke. So what’s the point?”

The Government says the new laws will help reduce the number of young smokers and help retailers to spot under-age smokers.

But the West Yorkshire Trading Standards figures say up to 90% of retailers were not ready for the age change.

The tests in Kirklees and the rest of the county showed that 52 of 59 retailers sold tobacco products to 16 and 17-year-olds without asking their age or for any form of identification.

Graham Hebblethwaite, chief trading standards officer, said: “Businesses must ensure that all staff involved in selling tobacco products are suitably trained in the new provision.”

Retailers who sell tobacco products to under-18s will risk prosecution and a fine of up to £2,500.