Stores fail in smokes sting

TWO Capital shops have been fined after being caught selling cigarettes to minors during a test-purchase sting.

Both stores, which are in the south-west of the city but have not been named, were snared in a trading standards exercise using two trained 16-year-old volunteers.

They now face a £200 fixed penalty.

Councillor Robert Aldridge, environment leader, said: “I hope these fines will serve as a stark warning that retailers must abide by the legislation. It is important that young people are aware that they will be challenged by responsible shopkeepers if buying cigarettes..”