Traders in Sutton have been warned that the sale of tobacco from vending machines is now illegal - with anyone caught selling cigarettes in machines facing a fine of £2,500.

The Department of Health said the ban had been introduced to prevent under-age sales to children and to support adults who were trying to quit.

It is estimated that 35 million cigarettes are sold illegally through vending machines to children every year.

Sutton's trading standards team are responsible for enforcing the new law and letters have been sent to more than 250 pubs, clubs and sports and social clubs across the borough to ensure they are fully aware of the ban.

Councillor Simon Wales, Sutton Council’s Executive Member for Communities, transport and Voluntary Sector, said: "This ban marks a significant step forward in reducing the availability of tobacco products to children and young people.

"We know that many young people buy cigarettes from these machines because they are often situated in unsupervised locations.

"It is essential that we do all we can to stop children and young people getting access to tobacco because of the obvious health risks and because we know that most people who take up smoking do so as young teenagers."

Under the new rules, pub landlords will still be able to sell cigarettes from behind the bar but they must ensure all tobacco advertising on vending machines is removed.

Any person found guilty of displaying cigarette adverts on a vending machine could face imprisonment for up to six months, a fine of £5,000, or both.

For more information, email Sutton Trading Standards at trading.standards@sutton.gov.uk or visit businesslink.gov.uk/vending easy way