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THERE was a mixed reaction in Paisley last night to the government’s new legislation to increase the legal age for buying cigarettes from 16 to 18. ...

THERE was a mixed reaction in Paisley last night to the government’s new legislation to increase the legal age for buying cigarettes from 16 to 18. As from yesterday, shopkeepers who are caught selling tobacco to under-18s face a whopping ?2,500 fine.The Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland and anti-smoking group ASH Scotland have welcomed the change.

But some traders in Paisley believe youngsters will get round the new legislation by getting friends to buy cigarettes for them.Bob Macfarlane, who owns James Harvie Tobacconist in Moss Street, said: “It’s a sad fact of life but, whether it is cigarettes, alcohol or anything else, kids usually manage to get their hands on whatever they want.

“I don’t think increasing the age limit will make a blind bit of difference.”Zeshan Ali, who owns S and S Newsagents in Moss Street, said he fears customers who are refused cigarettes could become aggressive.He added: “Now that the legal age has been increased, it will be more difficult for us because 16-year-olds will argue that they are 18.

“If we refuse to serve them, they may become aggressive and that would be a worry.”Around one in ten children aged 11 to 15 in the UK smokes and the government hopes the change will mean less kids will light up.Smokers will have to show their passport, photo driving licence or a proof-of-age card if shopkeepers ask them for ID.

Chief Superintendent Andrew Laing, who has been involved with the planning for the law change, said help is at hand for traders who are confronted by aggressive customers.He added: “We welcome the change in the law, which is aimed at reducing the availability of tobacco products to younger people. The health and social benefits will soon become clear.

“If changes in the law lead to incidents of aggressive behavior or disorder, the police will respond accordingly and give all necessary support and assistance.”

Maureen Moore, chief executive of ASH Scotland, said research proves that the younger a person starts smoking, the more likely it is they will smoke in adulthood. She went on: “Evidence shows that increasing the purchase age can reduce smoking rates but only if the law is properly implemented.”