By Mickey Ferry

LOCAL newsagents will have to be extra-vigilant from September 1, following Health Minister Michael McGimpsey's announcement that the legal age at which people can buy tobacco products will rise from 16 to 18.

Making his announcement on Monday, the Minister was keen to highlight the consequences of teenagers taking up the habit of smoking.

"It is clear that we must do all we can to deter our children and young people from taking up the smoking habit," he said.

"Research has shown us that 79 percent of adult smokers in Northern Ireland took up the habit in their teens and 11 percent of children between 11 and 15 here are regular smokers.

"These are vital statistics and I want a message to be heard loud and clear by our children and young people - smoking kills."

As positive as the Minister's message is, it does create a minor headache for newsagents across the North as they try to gauge the age of the young people who wish to purchase tobacco products in their shops.

Local shopkeeper John Hannigan welcomed the Minister's announcement and believes that it will make his job easier.

"Raising the age to 18 will help those working behind the shop counter, as I believe it is easier to tell if someone is over eighteen than if they are over sixteen.

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"My twenty years or so in the licensed trade will be an advantage because in pubs and clubs there is always a need to be vigilant about the age of the people looking to be served."

According to John, the small town community factor is another advantage shops in Strabane will have over the more impersonal settings of the cities in England, where the minimum age is already eighteen.

"Luckily in Strabane, the shopkeeper still tends to know the customer personally, or their family at least. Those in cities are not so fortunate, and I know they are having problems with this in England.

"Ultimately I can't see the changes being a major problem in Strabane. Most young people I know are quite sensible.

" If they are underage and try to buy any tobacco products only to be politely refused, they will accept this. Eventually, they'll stop trying.

"At the end of the day, as with obtaining alcohol, if they really want to get hold of cigarettes they will work out some other way," he added.

John's sentiments were echoed by fellow Strabane newsagent, Seamus McFadden.

"If young people want cigarettes, this ban will not deter them," he said.

"It does make life easier for us. In the past I've seen young people get offended when asked for ID when buying cigarettes, especially when they turned out to be sixteen or seventeen.

"So making the new minimum age eighteen can be beneficial for all concerned," Mr McFadden said.