A new Proof of Age scheme which will start in Brentwood in the spring, and is already working successfully in Billericay and Wickford, has been highly praised in a newly issued Government white paper.

The scheme which aims to combat sales of tobacco, solvents and alcohol to under 16s by asking young people to produce a special identity card is spearheaded by Essex County Council's trading standards.

It is already working successfully in Basildon, where the pilot scheme was introduced 18 months ago. Braintree and Uttlesford have also proved successful with Tendring next on line before Brentwood.

The scheme has already got an enthusiastic response from Brentwood Council and the borough's schools who will help administer it while results from Billericay and Wickford show that it is popular with youngsters and retailers alike.

Research has revealed that 30 per cent of 15-year-olds and 10 per cent of 13-year-olds smoke regularly.

The white paper, which was presented to Parliament in December by the Health Secretary Frank Dobson, hailed Essex's scheme as "an example of best practice in this area of work".

Head of trading standards, Christine Wade said: "This paper has put the spotlight firmly on the issue of young people and the sale of tobacco products.

"Our message to the retailers is 'no card - no sale' and we have introduced this scheme to help retailers stay within the law.

"With more than 9,000 cards in circulation in three districts of the county the scheme is gathering momentum with plans for Brentwood's inclusion already well advanced.

"Tougher enforcement measure are planned for those retailers who flout the law.

"The Magistrates Association is being asked to look at the level of fines imposed for breaches of the law, local authorities are being encouraged to take vigorous enforcement action against retailers who flout the law and a new criminal sanction is being considered to deal with persistent offenders."

Trading standards head of product safety, Jane Bray, said: "Retailers cannot be complacent.

They must be vigilant in preventing the sale of tobacco products to young people. We will not hesitate to take action against those unscrupulous traders who ignore our advice and warnings and continue to sell tobacco products to anyone under 16."

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