MR - Latest Vape and Tobacco Controlled Purchase Operation in Northland brings a disappointing result
Latest Vape and Tobacco Controlled Purchase Operation in Northland brings a disappointing result
Ngā Tai Ora - Public Health Northland staff for Te Whatu Ora carried out a tobacco and vape Controlled Purchase Operation (CPO) recently and are disappointed with the result.
The operation saw underage volunteers aged just 14 and 16 years attempt to purchase tobacco and vaping products from retailers in the Mid North.
Nineteen retailers were tested of ten vape retailers and nine tobacco retailers. The operation resulted in two sales of vaping products to the underage volunteer.
“Selling vape products to a minor is illegal. These vape retailers should not be selling vape products to underage people. They should have appropriate systems and procedures in place to prevent sales of vape products to minors," Zane Jones, Smoke-free Enforcement Officer for Ngā Tai Ora - Public Health Northland said.
“I am aware that we have an issue with youth vaping in New Zealand. While vaping is less harmful, vaping is addictive and not without harm, and children and young people should be protected. Vaping is only for smokers who want to quit smoking.”
He reminded retailers that selling tobacco and vaping products to children under 18 years of age is a breach of the Smokefree Environments and Regulated Products Act 1990.
“If someone attempting to purchase vape or tobacco product looks under the age of 25, you must ask for photo identification. No photo identification, no sale. It really is that simple,” Mr Jones said.
“I’d also like to take this opportunity to thank the 90% of retailers that followed the law by checking IDs and not selling to underage young people.”
Prior to the CPO, all retailers were visited by staff from Ngā Tai Ora and made aware of their obligations under the Act.
“All retailers are aware that we run this type of operation regularly and we will continue to carry them out randomly during the year. Children aged well below the legal age of 18 approach retailers to purchase vape or tobacco products under controlled conditions.”
Retailer fines for selling tobacco or vaping products to minors or not taking all practicable steps to prevent young people from entering a specialist vape retailer can reach up to $10,000. Those retailers that have sold to minors will be likely subject to further action.
Any retailers requiring assistance with staff training and information can contact Smokefree Enforcement Officers, at Ngā Tai Ora - Public Health Northland (09) 430 4100.
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