in Auckland - yet
Since the Vaping Regulatory Authority was set up in November 2020 it has issued only 11 infringement notices nationwide, carrying a fine of $500 each.
Auckland Regional Public Health Service (ARPHS) said Covid-19 has affected compliance activity since early 2020 and it had begun revisiting old complaints this year as well as starting investigations into five businesses that sell vapes.
"This investigation work involves meeting the directors or their nominees, gathering information, explaining the complaint, determining if any breaches exist and following up with a letter. The pathway from there depends on the nature of the breach. For allegations of sales to minors, a Controlled Purchase Operation (CPO) is undertaken.
"CPOs only occur after a compliance officer has visited the retailer to check they are meeting their obligations for retailer restrictions, to provide education about their obligations and to warn of a potential future CPO. ARPHS has carried out tobacco CPOs for a number of years, but is yet to carry out any for vaping."
By contrast, public health units sent minors into 53 vape shops in Wellington, and eight shops in Tairāwhiti.
Link to article: No investigations into vape sales to underagers in Auckland - yet | RNZ News
