Rotorua retailers have banned people from their stores for attempting to buy synthetic cannabis products for minors.
One store manager said teenagers would approach members of the public walking past to get them to buy the legal highs for them. The Psychoactive Substances Act came into force in July and means products can only be sold to people over 18 and stores must have a licence.
Products must also have a manufacturing licence proving they do not have any harmful effects. Licences in force at the moment are only interim measures while the Ministry of Health finalises the Psychoactive Substances Regulations.
Skingraft store manager Joe Hewlett said it was vital products were not sold to minors and his shop refused sales to anyone who staff believed would supply someone under 18.
"And we let the other retailers and the City Guardians know to make sure people aren't buying it for minors," he said.