16 September 2011 Last updated at 05:03 ET

Dumfries and Galloway tobacco retailers slow to sign up

Only half of the tobacco retailers in Dumfries and Galloway have signed up to a compulsory register as the deadline to do so approaches.

From 1 October it will be illegal to sell tobacco products if you are not on the Scottish government register.

The aim is to assist trading standards to enforce legislation and tackle illicit sellers.

Retailers have been warned the penalties for failure to sign up to the scheme will be severe.

Anyone found to be selling tobacco products without being on the register of retailers could be fined up to £20,000 and sent to prison for up to six months.

Dumfries and Galloway trading standards officers have urged all remaining traders to register as soon as possible.