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Tobacco Free Initiative |
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Key areas and groups Youth Reducing the sale of tobacco to minors in New South Wales, Australia To date, most activity in relation to tobacco sales to minors in Australia has occurred at the state level, with individual jurisdictions having responsibility for the development and implementation of legislative strategies. Western Australia and New South Wales (NSW) have been successful in developing comprehensive programmes to address tobacco sales to minors focusing on monitoring of compliance, enforcement, prosecutions, community education and community action. A number of other states and territories have commenced a range of implementation strategies, focusing on educative strategies rather than enforcement. After a period of decline, increases in smoking were found among both boys and girls in NSW. Other surveys confirmed that minors had no problem purchasing cigarettes, and were rarely asked for proof of age. In response, a comprehensive programme was put in place to reduce young people’s access to tobacco, which focused on the following: Strengthening of Legislation In 1991, the Public Health Act of NSW banned sales of tobacco products to minors under age 18. In 1996 the Act was strengthened by introducing a proof of age requirement for tobacco purchases (which included a photo ID) and ensuring that the holder of the tobacco licence or the employer can be held liable if an offence is committed. Training and Enforcing A Policies and Procedures manual was developed for Area Health Services, which addressed compliance monitoring and enforcement of the legislation. Compliance monitoring allowed for the use of volunteer young people who attempt to purchase cigarettes from retailers, while under the supervision of a responsible adult. The manual also includes: • Training and consent procedures for young people. • Provision for issuing warning letters for a first breach and prosecution for a second breach, and • Suggestions for involving the community at the local level. Health workers were trained in compliance monitoring activities, working with young people, court procedures and preparation of evidence. The Health Department also provided assistance in developing police policies and training programs. An education kit was sent to tobacco retailers, containing an information booklet explaining changes in legislation regarding tobacco sales. A complementary community education strategy was developed by NSW QUIT and launched in 1997. The campaign included point of sale materials, a community education kit for parents, schools and community groups, and advertising via television, radio and press. Results Preliminary studies have found that retailer compliance with the Act has improved in the last year, with a decrease in the rate of sales of tobacco to minors. Surveys also indicated a high level of awareness and support for the campaign and the legislation. Further survey results on compliance are still being analyzed. These findings, combined with upcoming results of the 1996 survey on smoking among youth, will allow assessment of the effectiveness of this programme in reducing young people’s access to tobacco and addressing the problem of youth smoking. It is important that Sales to Minors Programmes are part of a comprehensive tobacco control programme. These Programmes complement other strategies aimed at reducing youth smoking such as advertising restrictions, tobacco tax increases and education programmes. As part of its comprehensive approach to tobacco control, NSW has implemented tobacco advertising restrictions, passive smoking legislation, QUIT campaigns and other smoking cessation programmes and activities at both the state and local level. These activities have been undertaken in partnership with government, NGOs and community groups.
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