Three Whangārei retailers caught selling cigarettes to minors

Three Whangārei retailers have been caught selling cigarettes to minors.

Three Whangārei retailers who sold cigarettes to minors during a sting by health officials may be prosecuted.

Northland District Health Board is disappointed to see retailers continuing to sell cigarettes to minors after it conducted a controlled purchase operation (CPO) involving several Whangārei retailers last week.

CPOs are conducted throughout the year using children aged below the legal age of 18 to approach retailers to buy tobacco products under controlled conditions. The volunteers carry no identification and are required to tell the truth about their age if asked by the retailer.

Of the 15 retailers tested in Whangārei, three retailers were found in breach of the Smokefree Environments Act 1990, which prohibits the sale of tobacco to anyone under 18.

Any breaches of the Act can result in an instant fine of up to $1000. Details regarding the retailers who sold cigarettes to a 17-year-old will be forwarded to the Ministry of Health for a decision on further action which may include prosecution of the retailer. The names of the stores are not being revealed at this stage.

Northland DHB Smokefree officer, Jo Dones, says the Public Health Unit has been running CPOs for many years and it is clear some retailers aren't complying with the law and are prepared to risk prosecution.

"If they look under 25, ask for photo identification, no photo identification, no sale. It really is that simple. The Smokefree Environments Act 1990 is not new legislation and all business operators have legal obligations under the act," Dones said.

All district health boards conduct regular CPOs. One of its principal aims is to protect children from developing an addiction to tobacco and further operations are planned throughout the Northland.

Any retailers requiring assistance with staff training and information can contact Smokefree Officers at Northland District Health Board on (09) 430 4100.