HEALTH bosses in our region have welcomed a York supermarket's decision not to sell cigarettes to anyone under 18.

Asda has announced that it is upping the age at which customers can buy tobacco from 16 to 18, in all of their stores nationwide, including the one at York's Monks Cross, York.

The company, which is also increasing the age for buying knives to 18, is the first supermarket to introduce such a policy, ahead of a possible change in the law under the new Health Bill.

The move, which takes effect from September 1, has been praised by Selby and York Primary Care Trust.

Rachel Johns, director of public health at the PCT, said: "We welcome Asda's decision to only sell cigarettes to customers aged 18 and older.

"Research shows the long-term affects of smoking in your teens, with 70 per cent of adult smokers taking up the habit between the ages of 11 and 15.

"It's sometimes difficult for young people to connect with the long-term health problems associated with smoking things like heart disease, strokes and lung cancer.

"But smoking can also affect young people directly. It speeds up the ageing process, as well as the smell of cigarettes being difficult to shift from clothes."

Asda's retail director Andy Clarke said: "Public opinion is changing in these areas and, as a responsible retailer, we felt we should do something.

"By raising the age limit to 18 for the sale of cigarettes and knives, not only are we helping discourage teenage smoking, but also helping our colleagues who sometimes find it hard to judge how old customers are."

Last year, The Press and the PCT joined forces to launch the Yes To Clean Air campaign, to help businesses in our area become smoke-free.

Ian Willmore, spokesman for the anti-smoking group ASH, said: "ASH welcomes Asda's move to stop cigarette sales to under-18s, in advance of any Government decision to change the law in this area.

"We hope this will set an example to all retailers. Smoking is a lethal addiction that should not be promoted to children.

"Retailers need to make sure that the cigarette sales that are made on their premises are made to adults only."

GAVIN AITCHISON asked shoppers at York's Asda store what they thought of the company's decision to sell cigarettes to over-18s only.

Peter Freeman, of New Earswick, said: "I do think it's a good decision. I work in a shop myself, and it's difficult to spot 16-year-olds."

Jacqueline White, of Huntington, said : "Smoking can cause lung damage. When you are young you do not realise that, unlike when you're older."

Jill Scott, of Heworth, said: "I think it's an excellent idea.

At least at 18, with the Prove It cards, they can also be asked to show ID."

Stuart Loxton, of Acomb, said: "I think it's a good idea but I do not know how difficult it will be to enforce. A lot of shops ask for ID for a variety of things."