Wyndham takes action on underage tobacco sales

Wyndham City has recently conducted tobacco test purchasing as part of an ongoing program throughout the municipality to ensure tobacco retailers comply with the laws prohibiting the sale of these products to people under 18 years of age.

Wyndham City employed an underage Test Purchase Assistant to attempt to purchase cigarettes from retailers to make sure they are complying with their obligations under the Tobacco Act 1987.

The Test Purchase Assistants are not allowed to lie about their age or present fraudulent identification whilst attempting to purchase tobacco products.

Wyndham City Mayor Cr Susan McIntyre said that during a recent testing blitz in April of tobacco retailers in Wyndham, only one retailer out of 27 randomly selected businesses sold cigarettes to an undercover minor.

“This is a notable decline in sales rates compared to previous test days undertaken by our Environmental Health Officers in previous years,” Cr McIntyre said.

“Retailers and employees must ensure that they do not sell tobacco and e-cigarette products to people under 18 years of age. Educating businesses and enforcing this obligation where necessary is one of the roles of Environmental Health Officers.”

“It’s important that when it comes to something as serious as selling tobacco or e-cigarettes to a minor, that Wyndham businesses are on the same page in protecting the health of our community.”

“This is a reminder to all Wyndham businesses to inform their staff of the importance of asking for ID when selling tobacco.”

Retailers found to be breaking the law risk receiving a $740 infringement notice or be prosecuted in the Magistrates Court and risk a fine of up to $11,096 and the loss of their right to sell tobacco or e-cigarette products.

Council will continue to participate in the test purchase program and is strongly committed to preventing young people accessing and using tobacco or e-cigarette products and being exposed to their marketing.

For further information regarding the Tobacco Act, please refer to the Department of Health Tobacco Unit on https://www2.health.vic.gov.au/public-health/tobacco-reform or contact the Wyndham’s Environmental Health Unit on (03) 9742 0738.