Oamaru premises sell tobacco to minor on a Controlled Purchase Operation

In early December a Controlled Purchase Operation for tobacco was conducted in Oamaru. It is illegal to sell tobacco to persons under the age of 18 and premises were tested for compliance under the Smoke-free Environments Act 1990.

Staff at 10 stores refused to sell cigarettes to the underage volunteer who had been advised to give their correct age if asked, and was not carrying any identification.

However, at the Meadowbank Dairy tobacco was sold to the 17 year old volunteer. The seller has since been issued a warning. Smoke-free Enforcement Officer Joanne Lee said “the Ministry of Health can issue a warning or an infringement notice of up to $500 for selling tobacco to a minor”.

It is best practice for retailers to ask for photo identification if anyone looks younger than 25 years old when purchasing tobacco. The only acceptable forms are a drivers licence, passport, or HANZ 18+ card.

Ms Lee also said “it is really disappointing when a minor is sold tobacco because it is one product on the market that is lethal and kills one out of two people if used in the way it is intended”. It is a timely reminder to all retailers that staff require thorough training and it is their responsibility to ensure they remain compliant with the legal requirements of selling tobacco.

The Southern DHB is very pleased that the other premises complied with the law on this occasion by asking the minor for identification and hopes they continue to do so. Compliance checks will continue across the district and usually focus on retailers who have been reported as problematic or if some time has passed since they were last tested.

ENDS

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