Scoop has an Ethical Paywall
Three retailers caught selling tobacco to a 15 yr old
November 28,
2012
MEDIA RELEASE
Three Mid
Canterbury retailers caught selling tobacco to a
15-year-old
A tobacco controlled purchase operation held in Mid Canterbury this week saw three tobacco retailers sell tobacco to a 15-year-old.
Dr Alistair Humphrey, Canterbury Medical Officer of Health, says seven of the 10 retailers visited correctly asked the 15-year old for identification. When none was produced the seven retailers refused to sell cigarettes.
“Checking photo ID is an essential part of modern retail practice,” Dr Humphrey says.
“Retailers who sell products that are harmful to your health need to take their responsibilities very seriously and not put lives at risk in pursuit of profit.”
“Just asking their age is not
sufficient. They need to be able to present legitimate
identification because once you have sold to one underage
person you are likely to attract many more.”
Dr Humphrey says further monitoring checks will continue across Canterbury to make sure retailers continue to obey the law.
The sale of tobacco and herbal smoking products to minors is viewed very seriously and the Ministry of Health’s policy is to issue an Infringement Notice or prosecute in appropriate cases. Under an Infringement Notice, the fee is $500 in the case of an individual or $1000 in the case of a body corporate. In the case of a successful prosecution, the maximum fine which can be ordered by the Court is $5000 for an individual or $10,000 for a body corporate.
The Ministry of Health now have
30 days to decide upon the appropriate penalty for the three
retailers that broke the law by selling tobacco to a minor.
Canterbury DHB
CDHB
Canterbury District Health Board (CDHB) is a Christchurch, New Zealand based hospital and healthcare provider for the
Canterbury region of New Zealand. Our region extends from Kekerengu in the North, to Rangitata in the South and Arthurs Pass in the West and comprises the six Territorial Local Authorities of Kaikoura, Hurunui, Waimakariri, Christchurch City, Selwyn and Ashburton.
We collaborate with other health and disability organisations, stakeholders and our community to decide what health and disability services are needed and how to best use the funding we receive from Government to improve, promote and protect the health, wellbeing and independence of our population.
At the Canterbury DHB, our vision is to improve the health and wellbeing of people living in Canterbury.
Gordon Campbell: On The Public Sector Carnage, And Misogyny As Terrorism
National Maori Authority: Maori Authority Warns Government On Fast Track Legislation
NZ Government: Comprehensive Partnership The Goal For NZ And The Philippines
DoC: Canterbury Spotted Skink In Serious Trouble
Te Pāti Māori: Oranga Tamariki Cuts Commit Tamariki To State Abuse
NZCTU: Inflation Data Shows Need For A Plan On Climate And Population
Statistics New Zealand: Annual Inflation At 4.0 Percent
