AFTER new smoking laws were introduced to protect young people from the harms of cigarette smoke, Cheshire East Council has vowed to clamp down on underage smoking.

New laws on smoking came into effect on Thursday, October 1, meaning that smoking in a car carrying a child under 18 selling electronic cigarettes or e-liquids to a person under 18, can result in prosecution.

Following the stricter laws coming into place, Cheshire East Council said it intends to be tough on enforcing measures to protect children and young people.

Cllr Les Gilbert, Cabinet member for communities, said: “While it will be the responsibility of the police to take action against motorists, the council’s enforcement officers will have powers to investigate and prosecute traders selling e-cigarettes to under 18s.

“The jury is still out on the long-term effects of electronic cigarettes and, as a council we do not wish to see our young people harmed by this practice or taking up tobacco smoking as a result.”

The council is also throwing its full weight behind the ‘Stoptober’ campaign to encourage smokers to quit the habit.

Dr Heather Grimbaldeston, director of public health, is urging all east Cheshire residents who smoke to make a determined effort to quit this month during the Public Health England stop smoking campaign.

She said: “Research has shown that quitting even well into middle age will help smokers to avoid most of the risk of developing cancer.

“More than 90 per cent of health risks associated with smoking can be avoided if people give up smoking at a young age.

“We welcome the new legislation aimed at protecting young people from passive smoking and from the risk of becoming tobacco smokers via the route of vapour smoking.

“But above all, we would like to see people kick the habit altogether.”

Smokers interested in quitting the habit are urged to call the free phone number 0800 085 8818 or visit kickstartcheshire.co.uk for further information.