Tobacco compliance

The area health service has revealed it has carried out tobacco compliance testing at a number of Peninsula businesses with "encouraging results".

Tobacco control officer from the Northern Sydney Central Coast Health public health unit Mr Wayne McCallum said the compliance testing on July 11 showed a "positive result" for the Peninsula.

"The testing indicated that shopkeepers are now routinely asking for identification from young people trying to buy cigarettes," Mr McCallum said.

"During the tests, all of the shopkeepers asked for ID and none sold cigarettes to the under-age volunteers.

"Acceptable ID is a driver's licence, a Proof of Age Card or a passport.

Mr McCallum said that while the results from testing were "very encouraging", further tobacco tests were planned for throughout the area.

"Selling cigarettes to a person under the age of 18 is an offence and can lead to court appearances and a fine of up to $5500," Mr McCallum said.

Press release, 17 Jul 2008 Wayne McCallum, Northern Sydney Central Coast Health