Burned: Tobacco retailers suspended for selling to underage youth

Licences of the errant tobacco sellers will be suspended for six months starting 1 September 2011.

The Health Sciences Authority said these offenders were prosecuted and convicted between March and July 2011.

HSA stressed that all tobacco retailers are responsible for all transactions of tobacco products carried out by their outlets as well as for the actions of their employees.

Under the Tobacco (Control of Advertisements and Sale) Act, anyone caught selling tobacco products to persons below the age of 18 is liable on conviction in Court, to a maximum fine of up to $5,000 for the first offence and up to $10,000 for the second or subsequent offence.

The tobacco retail licence will also be suspended for six months for the 1st offence and revoked for the 2nd offence. If, however, an outlet is found to sell tobacco products to underage youth in school uniform or those below 12 years of age, the tobacco retail licence will immediately be revoked.

You may view the full list of suspended/revoked tobacco retailers here.