$1m fine for businesses and $50k for individuals as Tobacco Act set for enforcement

Businesses or corporate bodies face up $1m fine whilst individuals up to $50,000 fine or several years in jail if they breach the tobacco act which will come into force by the end of May.

 

Minister of Health and Medical Service Dr. Culwick Togamana had signed a public notice informing shop owners and the public of the looming enforcement of the Tobacco Control Act 2010 which will finally come to force on 31^st May.

In his notice, Togamana said it is against the law to sell tobacco to anyone less than 18 years of age.

Also, he states that it is against the law to sell tobacco or broken opened packages. The sale of single cigarettes is also illegal.

Togamana also said that it is also against the law to display notices of tobacco products for sale and prices to be seen from outside.

Furthermore, he said it is again the law to sell and distribute tobacco products without a license.

PENALTIES

On the mentalities, Togamana revealed that for individuals’ first offence committed is a fine up to $20,000 or two years’ imprisonment. The second offence committed under the law is fine up to $50,000 or four years in jail.

As for corporate body, first offence committed under the law is fine up to $500,000 whilst the second and subsequent offence committed under the law is fine up to $1,000,000.

Since its passage it will be the first time that the act will be enforced and this is believed to relate to the November Pacific Games.

A whole raft of tougher ordinances in HCC are also ready to be implemented by 1^st of May intended to fight littering in the capital city in preparation of the games.

News@SBMOnline2023