Important reminder: Tobacco compliance regulations also apply to papers, filters and tips, says CSNA
Test Purchasing by EHOs will continue over the coming months
Print5 April 2022
Important advice regarding tobacco compliance regulations has been shared with members by the Convenience Stores and Newsagents Association (CSNA).
The association has been advised by the Environmental Health Service of the HSE that it has given very clear and detailed instructions to EHOs to enforce a greater level of compliance regarding the visibility of tobacco products and tobacco-related signage.
Tobacco products are not only cigarettes; they are also cigarette papers, filters and tips. The Public Health (Tobacco) Act 2002 expressly prohibits the open display of all tobacco products; they need to be kept out of sight of the public.
The EHO will also take a negative view of retailers that have leaflets or posters on display that show the price of individual tobacco products. These are seen as a promotional or advertising device and may lead to a prosecution for the store.
Over the next few months, the EHOs will continue with Test Purchasing and will certainly bring criminal charges against the store owner, and possibly also against the sales assistant, if they sell any tobacco products to a person under the age of 18.
The CSNA says it is aware of a Test Purchase that involved a pack of cigarette papers in a Dunnes last year; it is not necessarily cigarettes or RYO that is requested.
The CSNA advises retailers to always seek photographic ID in line with your store’s policy, and continually remind your staff, including your casual and part-timers, that they risk prosecution (and possible disciplinary action) if they fail to carry out these checks on each and every occasion.
Retailer replacement stickers and/or prescribed signage can be obtained by contacting the National Tobacco Control Office on 1800 333100 or emailing info.tobaccoregister@hse.ie.
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