One tobacco retailer in the Blenheim CBD was caught selling cigarettes to a 14-year-old volunteer in a tobacco controlled purchase operation undertaken by the Nelson Marlborough Public Health Service (PHS) last week.

26 retailers in the Nelson, Tasman and Marlborough regions were visited by the volunteer who attempted to buy cigarettes or tobacco from the stores, under the supervision of adult PHS employees.

Public Health Service Manager Peter Burton says that while it was pleasing to see that no sales were made from nine premises visited in the Wakefield/Tapawera/Murchison/St Arnaud area, there was one sale among the 17 premises visited in Blenheim.

“We are very concerned at this result, as the risk of starting smoking is greatest amongst young people. I urge retailers to take their responsibility seriously and ensure that their staff are aware of and well trained in their obligations,” Mr Burton says.

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