The latest round of the City of Greater Bendigo Tobacco Test Purchasing program has produced encouraging results, with zero retailers selling tobacco products to a minor.
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Twenty-eight retailers were selected as part of the program that tests outlets across the municipality.
The City undertakes tobacco test purchasing on behalf of the Department of Health, which involves a person under the age of 18 attempting to purchase a tobacco product from a local retailer.
Manager Environmental Health and Local Laws Susannah Milne said the findings from the latest round were positive.
“Results show retailers are complying with the requirement to ask for identification when selling tobacco products to young people,” Ms Milne said.
“Evidence has shown that by asking the question and restricting the supply of cigarettes to minors it does prevent young people taking up smoking.
“City Environmental Health Officers also conduct tobacco education visits to retailers to inform them of their obligations under the Tobacco Act 1987.”
Anyone caught selling tobacco products to a minor risks an on the spot fine of $590 or an $8,856 fine if a company is found guilty.