LEAD STORY: Kids caught in sting | Hawkes Bay News | Local News in Hawkes Bay

An underage cigarette selling sting staged in Hawke's Bay over the past week saw a 14-year-old seller hand over tobacco to a 14-year-old buyer - outraging health authorities.

To add underage selling insult to injury, the sting also picked up a 13-year-old selling cigarettes over the counter of his parents' dairy.

"It is extremely disappointing that retailers continue to flout the law and sell tobacco to minors - but even more alarming that retailers have children, a 13-year-old and a 14-year-old, selling tobacco and not asking for ID," Hawke's Bay District Health Board's Medical Officer of Health Caroline McElnay said.

Five retailers, in Napier and Hastings, were caught selling tobacco to a minor in the controlled purchasing operation carried out by the DHB.

The operation involved a 14-year-old girl who, under the direction of DHB staff, embarked on a cigarette-buying expedition.

It was at two different shops, which the DHB had not identified at this stage, that the girl was served by children her own age.

At three other shops she was served by adults. No identification was asked for and she left with cigarettes - in sales which may now result in the shop owners copping a $2000 fine if prosecution is successful.

"Retailers need to be vigilant as to who they are selling tobacco to and must ask for photo ID if they are unsure about a young person's age," Dr McElnay said.

The information from the operation will be forwarded to the Ministry of Heath which will make the final decision on whether to prosecute.

In October last year five Hawke's Bay retailers were also caught selling to minors, four of which are proceeding to prosecution.

Dr McElnay said the DHB encouraged parents and family members to let the Public Health Unit know of retailers who were selling to minors, and said the monitoring of tobacco sales would continue throughout Hawke's Bay.

 "Retailers need to ensure they and any family members or staff that work in their outlet are aware of the smoke-free law and the consequences if it's breached.

Under the Smokefree Environment Act 1990 it is an offence for anybody to sell tobacco to anyone under 18 years of age.