City cracks down on cigarette sales

Proof of age: The City’s regular tobacco sales testing found four companies had broken the law in June, with big fines for repeat offenders. Photo: FILE

FOUR local retailers have been caught selling tobacco products to minors.

The discoveries come as the City of Greater Bendigo resumed sales testing last month following a break due to COVID-19.

Municipal safe and healthy environments manager Jock Schofield said four of 25 randomly tested retailers sold cigarettes to a minor,

“These businesses have now received an official warning notice under the Tobacco Act 1987,” Mr Schofield said.

The Tobacco Act 1987 requires retailers to sight proof of age when selling tobacco products to anyone they believe looks under the age of 25.

Mr Schofield said the City tests retailers on behalf of the Department of Health, with a minor enlisted to attempt to purchase a tobacco product from the store.

“There are firm protocols for the training and recruitment of minors for test purchasing and how testing is conducted,” he said.

According to Mr Schofield, evidence suggests restricting retail supply of cigarettes to minors stops teenagers becoming addicted smokers.

“The City and the Department of Health are committed to reducing the normality and social acceptability of smoking behaviours through continued efforts including tobacco test purchasing,” he said.

“Retailers and members of the public are encouraged to contact the City of Greater Bendigo if they have any concerns or queries about sale of tobacco products and the requirements under the Tobacco Act 1987.”

The fine for selling tobacco products to minors is $739.68 for individuals and just over $11,000 for a companies.