Controlled Purchase Operations bring encouraging results for Western Bay of Plenty

A series of Controlled Purchase Operations (CPOs) recently undertaken on 75 retailers who sell tobacco in the Western Bay of Plenty saw the majority comply, with all but three checking the age of the shopper.

CPOs involve an underage person attempting to purchase tobacco from retailers under controlled conditions. The purpose of a CPO is to reduce the impact of tobacco related harm, especially in young people, by checking retailers’ understanding and adherence to tobacco legislation. This includes not selling to anyone who is under eighteen years of age.

The operation resulted in three sales to an underage person. “I am disappointed that there were three sales to a child, two of which were by retailers situated close to high schools. There is clearly room for improvement. This should serve as a caution that Toi Te Ora - Public Health Service takes this matter seriously and we run regular checks across the Bay of Plenty and Lakes districts,” says Dr Phil Shoemack, Medical Officer of Health.

The series of compliance checks were conducted in the lead up to Smokefree May, which promotes and encourages smokefree lives. “This year’s theme ‘It’s about the whanau’ reminds us of the importance of protecting children from exposure to tobacco, and this includes reducing access to tobacco products. It is pleasing to see that the vast majority of the tobacco retailers visited are meeting their legal responsibilities and refusing to sell to children,” says Dr Shoemack.

Prior to the operation, compliance and educational visits were made to tobacco retailers reminding them of the Smokefree Environments Act 1990, including their obligations to check identification of any person who looks under 25. This legislation also prohibits smoking in enclosed areas of workplaces, hospitality venues and public buildings.

“The Smokefree 2025 goal for New Zealand will become a reality if we work together. If we protect children from exposure to tobacco marketing and promotion, reduce the supply of, and demand for tobacco, and provide the best possible support for quitting, we will achieve the Smokefree Aotearoa goal. While the Public Health Service regularly monitors adherence to tobacco legislation, we also encourage the public to contact us if they have any concerns,” says Dr Shoemack.

Prosecution files are currently being completed on the three retailers who did not comply. A first-time offender who sells tobacco to a child is liable to be fined up to $1000.

To find out more about tobacco legislation or to make an enquiry, visit www.ttophs.govt.nz/tobacco for more information.

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