Six retailers’ licence suspended for selling tobacco products to minors

SINGAPORE — Six retailers have been caught selling tobacco products to minors under 18, resulting in a six-month suspension of their tobacco retail licence and a fine of between S$1,500 and S$2,000.

The employees of the six retailers did not check the age of the minors before selling cigarettes to them, said the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) in a statement. They were caught via HSA’s routine surveillance and enforcement activities.

The HSA reminded tobacco retailer licensees that they are responsible for all transactions of tobacco products taking place at their outlets, as well as for the action of their employees.

For selling tobacco products to minors under 18, the maximum fine is S$5,000 for the first offence and S$10,000 for the second or subsequent offence. The tobacco retail licence will be suspended for 6 months for the first offence and revoked for the second offence. If any outlet is found selling tobacco products to under-18 minors in school uniform or those below 12 years of age, the tobacco retail licence will be revoked, even at the first offence.

The HSA also reminded the public not to supply tobacco products to minors under 18. From 2011 to July 2014, 38 people have been caught for such offences.

For acquiring tobacco products for a minor under 18, the maximum fine is S$2,500 for the first offence and S$5,000 fine for the second or subsequent offences.

For giving or furnishing tobacco products to a person under 18, the maximum fine is S$500 for the first offence and S$1,000 fine for second or subsequent offences.