Tobacco sales tests welcomed

Paul Rafferty, environmental health officer with Derry City Council explained that since the introduction on 01 September 2008 of legislation which increased the legal age for purchasing tobacco from 16 to 18, the law is enforced by the district councils through the monitoring of premises and test purchases with underage buyers. The current penalty for selling cigarettes to those under the age of 18 is a fine of up to 2,500.

He explained that officers from his section carried out a test purchasing exercise in early November of this year on 16 premises, ranging from large supermarkets to "mobile shops", from across the district.

The businesses were randomly selected and prior to the exercise were written to and advised that test purchases involving children would be carried out at some time within the near future.

"On the day of the exercise a 14-year-old child attempted to purchase cigarettes in each of the premises, under the observation of environmental health officers. I am pleased to say, however, that the child was not sold cigarettes in any of the premises.This is the first time that a test purchase exercise carried out within the district has resulted in no sales," he said.

Chairman of the ES Committee, Mark H Durkan welcomed the outcome of the test purchasing exercise saying it was a very encouraging outcome which demonstrated the fact that most retailers exercise a responsible attitude to the sale of tobacco products to those underage.

"It's important to note that smoking remains the number one cause of preventable illness and premature death. Unfortunately, young children within the 11 – 15 year age range are the group most likely to start smoking and, in order to make it more difficult for them to buy cigarettes, legislation prohibits the sale of tobacco products to anyone under 18 years old.

"This has been a very positive outcome, however, we are aware that some children are still obtaining cigarettes in retail premises and the Council's Environmental Health department will continue with their excellent work in promoting awareness of the law and work in partnership with businesses to encourage compliance."