Tobacco Retailers Work Together to Prevent Young People From Smoking

25 January 2011

Tobacco retailers in North Taranaki are doing a great job in not selling cigarettes to under 18 year olds. Taranaki DHB Public Health Unit carried out a controlled purchase operation (CPO) where two young people aged 14 and 16 went shopping for cigarettes. The young people visited 24 dairies, four square stores and petrol stations in Urenui, Waitara, New Plymouth, Oakura and Okato and asked to buy a packet of cigarettes.

Taranaki DHB Public Health Unit is delighted that no one was sold cigarettes.  Medical Officer of Health Dr Greg Simmons said that staff of the public health unit had worked hard in 2010 to educate retailers about their legal responsibilities in relation to selling tobacco, so the CPO was a good test to see if that advice was put into practice.

“It would appear that staff selling cigarettes in the premises that were visited are taking their job seriously and insisting on proof of age prior to a sale,” said Dr Simmons. “This is a requirement of the law and it’s encouraging to see.”

Smoking is a significant health issue for school children. An ASH (Action on Smoking and Health) survey of Taranaki year 10 students (mainly 14 and 15 year olds) in 2009 showed that 8% smoked daily and 13% smoked on a regular basis.

“If we can prevent children from being able to purchase cigarettes, then this will help to stop them from starting to smoke.”

“As a District Health Board this is something we work hard to achieve and the support of the retailers is commendable.”

The Public Health Unit carries out these CPOs twice a year in Taranaki.

For more information please call

Sue Carrington
Media Adviser
Ph 021 367 789

Last updated: Wednesday, February 23, 2011