A campaign clamping down on adults who buy cigarettes for children has been launched in Fife.
Around 500 awareness posters are being distributed for display in shops which sell tobacco.
It is the person caught buying or attempting to buy tobacco products and not the shop assistant who is committing an offence.
They can face a fixed penalty notice of £200 and failure to pay could result in criminal court action.
Lead officer Dawn Adamson said: “We are supporting responsible retailers in the fight against proxy sales of tobacco to children.
“We know this practice is a real problem for shops and want to highlight the legal implications and make sure the public are aware of the penalties.”
Anyone who suspects someone of buying or trying to buy tobacco products on behalf of under-18s should contact trading standards on 01592 583 141 or at fifedirect.org.uk/underagesales.
