Pub-owners have been congratulated for complying with the law banning the sale of cigarettes from vending machines.

Last October new legislation, The Protection from Tobacco (Sales from Vending Machines)(England) Regulations 2010, was introduced with a fine of up to £2,500 for non-compliance.

West Yorkshire Trading Standards inspected pubs that had a known history of illegal sales. It found that 49 out of 50 premises had either removed their vending machine or taken measures to stop consumers using them.

Graham Hebblethwaite, chief officer for West Yorkshire Trading Standards said: “I am pleased with the level of compliance.”