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Two Waikato retailers fail tobacco compliance tests
Two Waikato retailers fail tobacco compliance tests
Two Tokoroa retailers are facing possible prosecution and a fine of up to $2000 each after selling cigarettes to a person under 18 years of age.
Waikato District Health Board's Population Health staff visited 28 retail premises in Tokoroa and Putaruru last week in a campaign to stop retailers selling tobacco to people under age.
The premises targeted had all been previously visited by Health Protection and Promotion staff a few weeks ago at which time they reinforced the need for ID and age checks.
Population Health Smoke-free Enforcement Officer Nick Young, said staff at 26 of the premises visited had followed correct procedures and refused to sell cigarettes to the 15 year-old volunteer who was briefed to give their correct age when asked.
Mr Young will contact those retailers whose staff complied with the legislation to advise them of their employees' performance.
However, two employees of tobacco retailers in Tokoroa sold cigarettes to the volunteer and reports on these cases will now be sent to the Ministry of Health in Wellington.
The likely result for this employee will be a warning or a District Court prosecution.
Mr Young said while he was disappointed at the two sales it was pleasing to see the overall level of compliance in Tokoroa and Putaruru and further operations of this nature would be conducted on an ongoing basis. Employers and their staff members needed to ensure they were fully familiar with their obligations under the act.
Check out our media releases on www.waikatodhb.health.nz/news
ENDS
Waikato District Health Board
Healthy People. Excellent Care
Waikato District Health Board (DHB) employs over 6500 people and plans, funds and provides hospital and health services to more than 391,770 people in a region covering eight per cent of New Zealand.
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