FRANKSTON tobacco retailers failed the proof-of-age test last month.
When council officers conducted 45 test-purchases, 10 were made to children.
Breaching the law is costly: Penalty infringements of $607 were issued to those selling cigarettes to minors.
Mayor Sandra Mayer described the results as “extremely disappointing”.
“Test purchasing is about ensuring tobacco retailers ask for proof of age when young people are attempting to buy cigarettes,” she said.
“Last year, across two testing periods, 98 test purchases took place with just one sale to a minor, meaning this year’s results are extremely disappointing.”
Cr Mayer said research showed 80 per cent of long-term smokers picked up the habit as children.
She issued a stern warning to retailers who sell cigarettes to minors. “This is a program we run regularly and we are fully prepared to take those who don’t learn their lesson directly to the Frankston Magistrates’ Court.
“Fines of up to $36,360 for a person and $181,800 for a company can be imposed, and retailers can lose their right to sell tobacco.”
Anyone with concerns over a retailer selling cigarettes to a person under 18 years of age should phone Council’s Environmental Health team on 9768 1317.
The test purchasing program is part of a wider campaign to clamp down on illegal tobacco sales.