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.
