I was asked if I was over 21 when I bought a packet of cigarettes last year in W H Smith's by a cheeky smiling young shop assistant lad. Having two grown up sons it was obvious that I must have been well over 21. He blushed with a smile and said 'It is company policy to ask' I admit I was flattered at the suggestion that I could have been 'underage' so I bought a bar of chocolate as well. His tactic at sales worked.