A Miranda tobacconist has been fined $1000 for multiple offences relating to the sale of electronic cigarettes, vaping liquids and tobacco to children as young as 14.
The proprietor of Cignall specialist tobacconist in Westfield Miranda was handed down the fine in Sutherland Local Court on November 6.
The retailer was also fined for selling single cigarettes and for failing to conceal tobacco, electronic cigarettes and their accessories from public view. The retailer now faces a possible ban on selling tobacco products for 12 months.
The fine prompted a warning from South Eastern Sydney Local Health District (SESLHD) that retailers face heavy fines and bans if caught selling tobacco products or electronic cigarettes to minors.
SESLHD Public Health Unit director Professor Mark Ferson said the action followed complaints from a concerned parent to local police, who pursued the matter.
Professor Ferson said most smokers started the habit before they were 18 and the younger a person was when they started smoking, the less likely they were to ever quit.
He said shops that sold single cigarettes were clearly inviting people, including minors, to smoke.
"For as little as $1 each, single cigarettes are affordable to children, the most price-sensitive group of tobacco buyers. It also means customers do not see the graphic health warnings required on cigarette packs," he said.
"There is also evidence that vaping devices and their confectionery flavours may be very harmful to health and that they can be a gateway for children to start smoking tobacco."
Under the Public Health (Tobacco) Act 2008, it is an offence to sell tobacco, e-cigarettes and their accessories to minors, or sell single cigarettes or tobacco products without appropriate health warnings.
The maximum penalty for a first offence is $11,000 for an individual, increasing to $55,000 for repeated breaches, and up to $110,000 for corporations.
"Compliance with the legislation is closely monitored. Authorised Officers from the SESLHD Public Health Unit conduct random inspections and can issue warnings or initiate prosecutions against retailers that break the law," Professor Ferson said.
The public is asked to report suspected breaches to the Public Health Unit on 9382 8333 or to the Tobacco Information Line on 1800 357 412. All complaints are confidential.
