Health Minister Kim Wilson said notice was given to all retailers of the government enforcement of the Pharmacy and Poisons Act 1979
Retailers and convenience store owners could be liable for a $10,000 fine if found to be selling nicotine-based products including vapes to customers.
Only registered pharmacies are permitted to dispense nicotine containing products as part of a Government clamp down to deter youngsters from picking up the habit.
According to the Health Ministry, “it is acknowledged that the emergence of newer product formats, such as nicotine pouches and lozenges, created uncertainty in how the law was interpreted and applied by some retailers.
“Importantly, the legal framework itself has not changed. However, it is evident that a number of retailers exploited this ambiguity, knowingly selling these products outside the scope of the law.
“At the same time, others appear to have been genuinely unaware of the existing regulatory restrictions, highlighting the need for enhanced education and consistent enforcement.”
More in this report.
