Auckland Public health service supports jail term for unregistered tobacco sellers
Public health service of Auckland has backed courts to have the power of putting dairy owners and other retailers for 6 months if they sell tobacco without approval.
Tariana Turia, the Health Minister, has revived the proposal to ban tobacco advertisements in virtually all shops, and the Ministry of Health is considering submissions from the public and interested groups.
From NZHerald.co.nz:
“In Scotland, the offence of selling tobacco without being registered has a penalty of a fine of up to £20,000 [$43,640] or six months in jail,” the service says in its submission to the ministry.
“This sends a clear message that tobacco is not an ordinary commodity and the ability to sell it should be seen as a privilege and not a right.”
The maximum penalties now in the Smoke-free Environments Act are fines of $50,000; jail terms are not mentioned.
Service spokesman Dr Andrew Lindsay said last night that smoking was such a serious matter, causing more than 4000 deaths a year, that it warranted tough new controls, such as jail sentences.
Tobacco retailers must now display a “smoking kills” sign at points of sale and visible tobacco displays are not generally permitted within 1m of confectionery and other children’s products. Tobacco displays are mostly limited to 100 packets and 40 cartons.
Roger Bull, Chairman of The Association of Convenience Stores, has renewed opposition to a display ban.
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Tags: health, Public health service, smoking, tobacco