Tobacco Controls

Hindmarsh has a number or registered retailers, outdoor smoking areas and smoke-free dining areas. The control of tobacco and related products is under the Tobacco Act 1987 (Vic) and is controlled and enforced by Council.

Council's Environmental Health officers regularly conduct visits to tobacco retailers to ensure they are aware of and comply with regulations on the sale of tobacco including:

  • The display of health warning signs;
  • That tobacco products must be covered and not be visible to the public from inside or outside the retail premises;
  • The display of the "We don't sell tobacco to u/18s" sign;
  • of tobacco advertising within the store including 'discounted' or 'cheap cigarettes' signage;
  • The training of staff about selling tobacco to minors.

The sale of tobacco products to a person under the age of 18 years of age is illegal and incurs heavy penalties. If a member of the public witnesses a sale to persons under the age of 18, contact Environmental Health.

Council regularly conducts test purchasing where a test purchaser under the age of 18 is engaged to buy cigarettes from tobacco retail outlets within the Shire. Offenders can be served infringements notices or taken to court and risk having their right to sell tobacco revoked.

If you wish to start selling tobacco or have enquiries about your responsibilities with regards to selling tobacco, contact our Environmental Health Officer on 03 5391 4444 or view the Department of Health website to obtain the following information:

  • Retailers, including premises with vending machines
  • Certified specialist tobacconists
  • Workplaces
  • Licensed premises
  • Outdoor dining or drinking
  • Legislation and regulations