Page 1304 - Week 05 - Tuesday, 11 May 1993

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Chief Minister for the Australian Capital Territory

Legislative Assembly Question

Question No. 634

Tobacco Product Sales

Mrs Carnell - Asked the Treasurer upon notice on 24 March 1993:

(1) How many tobacco retailers are licensed in the ACT?

(2) Are the physical locations of these retailers known?

(3) What methods) is used to police the sale of tobacco products to persons under 18

years of age?

(4) How many people are employed by the relevant Department to ensure legal

compliance is adhered to?

(5) How often are routine checks on retail outlets made?

(6) Were there any convictions in 1992 for the sale of tobacco products to persons under

18 years of age; if so how many?

(7) Were there any cases in 1992 of tobacco products being sold without a valid licence;

if so how many?

Ms Follett - the answer to the Members question is as follows:

(1) 766.

(2) Yes.

(3) Implementation of the ACT Tobacco (Amendment) Act 1990 is monitored by ACT

Health. When the provisions prohibiting the sale of tobacco products to persons

under the age of 18 years came into effect, tobacco retailers were provided with

information on their obligations. This included a leaflet detailing the Acts

provisions and level of penalties for violations, together with signs to be voluntarily

displayed reminding customers that the sale of tobacco products to under-18 s is

illegal. Following the distribution of this information, ACT Health has provided

information to retailers and the public on request. A system to provide tobacco

retailers regularly with updated information is also being developed. Members of

the community report possible breaches to officers of ACT Health, who investigate

these matters and take appropriate action.

As is the case with other legal requirements to which businesses are subject, compliance, rather than violation, is expected. However, in light of community


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