Four shops in the Waitaki district are facing possible prosecution and fines up to $2000 after allegedly being caught selling cigarettes to under 18-year-olds during a campaign last week.
Public Health South enlisted a 16-year-old volunteer to go into eight shops asking to buy cigarettes.
The campaign was aimed at stopping retailers selling tobacco products to under 18-year-olds and targeted those that complaints had been received about, near schools or in areas where there was a high incidence of smoking.
Staff at four premises refused to sell cigarettes to the volunteer, who had been advised to give their correct age when asked.
Public Health South will contact those retailers to let them know staff obeyed the law.
However, staff at four outlets, all in Oamaru, allegedly sold cigarettes to the volunteer and reports on these cases would go to the Ministry of Health in Wellington.
The owners of the outlets could face a warning or a district court prosecution under the Smoke-free Environments Act 1990.
Southern District Health Board general manager for women's and children's and public health Pip Stewart was extremely disappointed with the result, particularly as all the premises had been visited on at least one occasion to discuss the importance of asking for identification from anyone who looked under the age of 25.
Public Health South would continue with education campaigns for retailers and conduct similar operations in the future, Smoke-free enforcement officer Katie Jahnke said.
"Business owners and staff members need to make sure they are fully aware of their obligations under the Act," she said.
