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Community health officials running a controlled purchase operation targeting tobacco retailers in Christchurch were shocked to find the first two shops visited sold cigarettes to minors.
Both shops are now facing prosecution and fines after a recent Community and Public Health controlled purchase operation.
Retailers risk fines of up to $2000 for selling tobacco products to people under 18. Repeat offenders can be banned from selling tobacco for up to three months.
Canterbury medical officer of health Alistair Humphrey said during regular monitoring of retailers, controlled purchase operations continued until two premises were detected selling to minors.
"Sadly on this occasion, the first two (premises visited) sold to an underage person," Dr Humphrey said.
"We don't like to catch people. The idea is that we validate the fact that retailers are doing the right thing."
The law was there for a reason, Dr Humphrey said.
"Very few people start smoking over the age of 18, so preventing sales to minors save lives."
Dr Humphrey said it was clear some retailers weren't complying with the law and risked prosecution.
Retailers and their staff needed to be vigilant in checking the identification of young people wanting to buy cigarettes.
Further controlled purchase operations throughout the Canterbury region were planned.
- NZPA
