The offenders where fined up to $2,000 and will now have a criminal record. The retailers were located in Doonside, Tregear and Merrylands.
Under the NSW Public Health (Tobacco) Act 2008, it is a criminal offence to sell cigarettes to persons under the age of 18.
The maximum penalty is $11,000 for an individual and $110,000 for a business. Retailers are required by law to clearly display a notice warning people it is an offence to sell cigarettes to minors.
WSLHD Environmental Health team leader Helen Ptolemy said stopping young people’s access to cigarettes is important as most adult smokers start smoking before they are 18.
“Research indicates the onset of smoking is delayed beyond the age of 18 and people are less likely to become regular smokers,’’ she said.
“The law is there to protect the health of young people. “We want this to be a warning to all tobacco retail outlets that those who break the law will be liable to prosecution,’’ Ms Ptolemy said.
WSLHD Environmental health officers will continue to conduct regular and random inspections to ensure retailers are complying with the legislation.
“All members of the community have an important role to play in reducing young people’s access to cigarettes,’’ she said.
Complaints about retailers who sell tobacco to minors can be made to the Centre for Population Health on (02) 9840 3603. All reports will be dealt with confidentially.
