Children as young as 14 were able to buy cigarettes in almost half of the pubs surveyed by consumer watchdogs on Merseyside.
A survey by Wirral Trading Standards has shown how easy it is for young people to buy cigarettes from vending machines in pubs.
In six out of 13 pubs visited, a 14-year-old child volunteer was able to buy cigarettes from vending machines.
Only one pub asked the volunteer for proof of age. Four of the premises had the machines turned off, although in one pub the volunteer even managed to turn the machine on at the wall and put money into it without being challenged.
The other two pubs would have also allowed the 14 year old to purchase cigarettes, except the coins were rejected by the machine.
Cllr. Gill Gardiner, Wirral's Cabinet member for Environment said: "It is worrying how easy it is for a young person to buy cigarettes from a vending machine in a pub.
"Trading Standards are working with tobacco retailers to stop the sale of cigarettes to young people and I would urge licensed premises to ensure that they are vigilant in preventing young people having access to their vending machines."
It is illegal to sell tobacco products to a person under 18.
New sanctions came into force on the 1st April 2009 enabling a Court to ban retailers who sell tobacco to a person under the age of 18.
Traders who want advice should contact Andrew Bushell at Wirral Trading Standards on 0151 691 8033.
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