Independent pharmacies were the second easiest location for children to buy e-cigarettes, second only to market stalls, according to a study commissioned by Public Health England.

Young people aged under 18 were able to buy e-cigarettes from independent pharmacies in 74 per cent of their attempts, compared to a success rate of 46 per cent at pharmacy multiples and only 23 per cent from newsagents and 25 per cent from large retailers. The overall purchase rate was 40 per cent. f

The Trading Standards Institute, which carried out the research, concluded that there was a “degree of confusion” around the age at which e- cigarettes can be supplied. This despite 80 per cent of products purchased carrying age warnings.

“Particular business sectors/types may require additional focus in terms of advice and guidance in the run up to implementation of new regulations to restrict the sales of these products to under 18s,” said the TSI. It recommended that guidance should be prepared for retailers of e-cigarettes, working in collaboration with relevant bodies and business organisations.

Further similar studies will be carried out after the regulations are implemented to monitor compliance.