Cigarette 'sting' nets four Christchurch retailers

Four Canterbury retailers are being prosecuted after a recent controlled purchase sting found them selling cigarettes to minors.

Canterbury medical officer of health Alistair Humphrey said the result was disappointing but in line with a Ministry of Health survey showing most young smokers aged between 15 and 19 bought their own cigarettes.

Retailers were obligated under the Smokefree Environments Act not to sell tobacco products to people under 18.

"Very few people start smoking over the age of 18, so preventing sales to minors saves lives," Humphrey said.

"Clearly not all retailers are complying with the law and these retailers run the risk of prosecution."

He said checks on tobacco retailers would continue around Canterbury.

Retailers found repeatedly offending could be ordered not to sell tobacco products for up to three months.

Three of the retailers caught in the sting were in Christchurch, and the other in Rangiora.

- NZPA