By Alesha Capone
Three Wyndham businesses have been fined $645 each for selling tobacco to children.
A Wyndham council operation earlier this month targeted 56 businesses within the municipality.
The council tasked two people under the age of 18 to visit the businesses to see if staff would sell them tobacco.
The youth were not allowed to lie about their age or present fraudulent identification.
Wyndham safer communities portfolio holder Kim McAliney, said the council undertook random operations throughout the year to see if businesses were complying with their obligations under the Tobacco Act.
“While it is very disappointing that on this occasion three businesses sold cigarettes to children, it is encouraging that the vast majority of the businesses tested complied with the law,”
Cr McAliney said.
“This is a reminder to all Wyndham businesses to inform their staff of the importance of asking for ID when selling tobacco.
“It’s important that when it comes to something as serious as selling tobacco to children, that everyone is on the same page in protecting the health of our community.”
More information: wyndham.vic.gov.au/services/local-laws-permits/laws-permits-businesses/tobacco-advertising
