Pub landlords in Cumbria are being warned they face prosecution if they do not do more to stop children buying cigarettes from pub vending machines.
The warning comes from Cumbria Trading Standards after all thirteen pubs targeted in a recent test purchase exercise failed to prevent children from buying cigarettes.
The test purchases were carried out by a boy, 14, and a girl, 15, at pubs in Keswick, Carlisle and Barrow last week.
Pictured are some of the cigarettes purchased during the operation which was organised by Trading Standards officers and police.
Phil Ashcroft, head of Cumbria Trading Standards, said: "This exercise has shown an alarming lack of diligence on the part of landlords who are responsible for supervising the use of cigarette machines on their premises.
"Warnings have been issued to the thirteen pubs who failed this exercise and landlords across Cumbria can expect prosecution and the removal of cigarette vending machines if they turn a blind eye to children buying cigarettes in their pubs."