Four retailers in Queenstown and Central Otago are facing
possible prosecution and fines of up to $2000 each after
allegedly selling cigarettes to people under the age of 18.
Public Health South staff visited 20 dairies, petrol stations
and "superettes" in Queenstown, Arrowtown, Alexandra and
Roxburgh in August during a campaign to stop retailers
selling tobacco products to people under 18.
The campaign targeted retailers who had been the subjects of
complaints, were near schools or were in areas where "many
people smoked".
Staff at 16 of the premises refused to sell cigarettes to the
16-year-old volunteer, who had been advised to give their
correct age when asked,However, staff at four outlets
allegedly sold cigarettes to the volunteer and reports on
those cases would be sent to the Ministry of Health in
Wellington.
The owners of those outlets could face a warning, or a
district court prosecution under the Smoke-free Environment
Act 1990.
Public Health South smoke-free enforcement officer Dave Gibbs
said the alleged breaches were disappointing, but Public
Health South was happy the majority of premises asked for
identification and refused to sell cigarettes to the
volunteer.
Further operations would be held, he said.
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