MORE than a third of Bolton shopkeepers targeted in a recent operation using child spies sold cigarettes to youngsters.

Out of 57 shops in the borough visited in the informal survey, 20 sold cigarettes to the youngsters who clearly appeared to be under the age of 16.

The figure was revealed in a report to councillors at an environment and consumer sub committee meeting which showed a massive rise in the number of offences. Last year no sales were carried out to children in a formal survey.

In previous years, test purchases using child volunteers resulted in convictions and formal cautions for offenders.

Shopkeepers were also given detailed information about the law relating to the sale of cigarettes.

But councillors were uneasy about using children in the crackdown and have asked for a detailed presentation by council officers.

Officers have said the use of child volunteers would continue to follow Home Office guidelines with the welfare of the children a top priority at all times.

But Cllr Pauline Spencer said: "There is an ethical problem here and I find the use of children quite disturbing and distasteful.

"We are told it will be conducted within Home Office guidelines, but we don't really know what they are and we would like an explanation of them."

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