SCDHB

A controlled purchase operation that tested 13 tobacco retailers across South Canterbury found none were willing to sell cigarettes to a 15-year-old.

Controlled purchase operations monitor and enforce retailer compliance with Section 30 (1) of the Smoke-free Environments Act, 1990, which restricts youth access to tobacco.

Community & Public Health enforcement officers visited 13 tobacco retailers on Tuesday, April 26. The operation involved a 15-year-old volunteer attempting to purchase cigarettes under the direction and supervision of Community and Public Health staff. If no sale was made, the premise was deemed to have passed the test.  Of the 13 premises visited, none sold cigarettes to the 15-year-old.

South Canterbury Medical Officer of Health Dr Daniel Williams says: "This is exactly the result we hope for when we go out on a controlled purchase operation. Most smokers become addicted in their teens. The fewer opportunities young people have to become addicted to tobacco the healthier they'll be throughout their lives."

Enforcement officers will continue to check tobacco and herbal smoking product retailers for compliance with the Smoke-free Environments Act, 1990. The Act states that it is illegal to sell tobacco and herbal smoking products to persons under 18 years of age. Retailers are responsible for ensuring their staff remain familiar with the legal requirements in relation to the sale of tobacco and herbal smoking products.

The sale of tobacco and herbal smoking products to persons under 18 is viewed very seriously. It is the policy of the Ministry of Health to prosecute in appropriate cases. In  a successful prosecution the court can order fines of up to $2000.

For more information contact:

Arlene Goss

Communications Manager, South Canterbury District Health Board

Private Bag 911, Timaru

Ph: 03 687 2395, Fax: 03 688 0238, Mobile:  027 276 4259