SCDHB

Community and Public Health Smokefree enforcement officers visited 11 tobacco retailers across South Canterbury yesterday (Thursday, January 26) as part of a controlled purchase operation.

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.

The operation involved a 16-year-old volunteer attempting to purchase tobacco under the direction and supervision of Community and Public Health staff. If no sale was made, the retailer was deemed to have passed the test.  Of the 11 premises visited on this occasion, none sold tobacco.

South Canterbury Medical Officer of Health Dr Daniel Williams says "this is exactly the result we hope for when we go out on controlled purchase operations. 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".

Smokefree 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 they and their staff remain familiar with legal requirements in relation to the sale of tobacco.

The sale of tobacco and herbal smoking products to persons under the age of 18 is viewed very seriously, and 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 Community and Public Health on (03) 687 2600, or