Tobacco retailers reminded to check IDs

5 November 2010

Results of a recent operation checking to see if tobacco outlets ask young people for ID
when selling cigarettes highlights that some outlets still need to check young peoples ID
when selling tobacco.

Of the 35 premised visited five did not ask for any identification.

The Controlled Purchase Operations (CPO) involved two students aged 16 and 17
attempting to purchase tobacco from every tobacco retailer (excluding supermarkets) in
Hawera, Patea, Waverley, Manaia, Kaponga and Opunake. They carried no ID and were
instructed not to dress up or lie about their age.

Taranaki DHB health promoter Jill Nicholls said the results could have been better.

“We have done a lot of training with premises owners on their responsibilities around the
Smoke Free Environments Act (1990).We would really like to achieve the ultimate 100%,”
said Ms Nicholls.

“If cigarettes are able to be easily bought by under 18s, they become accessible to even
younger siblings or friends. Reducing the availability of cigarettes to young people is one
way of reducing the uptake of smoking.”

Ms Nicholls said the best practise for tobacco premises is to ask all people who look under
25 years of age for ID before selling cigarettes.

Controlled Purchase Operations are carried out to ensure the law is adhered to, and to try
reduce smoking in Taranaki.

For more information please contact:
Sue Carrington
Media Adviser
Ph 021 367 789

Last updated: Monday, November 8, 2010