A Taumarunui retailer is facing prosecution and a fine of up to $2000 after selling cigarettes to a person under 18 years of age.

Waikato District Health Board’s Population Health staff visited nine retail premises in Taumarunui in late April in a campaign to stop retailers selling cigarettes 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 eight of the premises visited followed correct procedure and refused to sell cigarettes to the 14 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, one employee of a tobacco retailer sold cigarettes to the volunteer and a report on this case 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 sale it was pleasing to see the overall level of compliance in Taumarunui 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.

ENDS