Fiji: Tobacco Sale Warning

Source from:  The Fiji Times  01/20/2014

Business engaging in the distribution or sale of tobacco after February without a valid retailer certificate or suki vendor license will incur a fine of up to $5000.

The warning has been sounded by the Health Ministry's Tobacco Control Unit through an Information Ministry statement.

In the statement, the unit reminded businesses to register and obtain a valid tobacco retailer registration certificate before February 28, 2014.

The reminder comes after the unit noted that only 500 registered businesses obtained or renewed tobacco retailer registration certificates out of the 4000 registered tobacco retailers.

Under Part 6, Section 23 of the Tobacco Control Decree 2010 and the Tobacco Control Regulation 2012, a wholesaler, distributor or retailer who sells or distributes tobacco products must make an application to be registered on an annual basis.

"Suki vendors are also reminded to obtain valid registration certificates and licence as sale of suki without a valid licence is also prohibited," the statement said.

The renewal of tobacco retailer registration and suki vendor licence plus registration had commenced from December 1 last year.

Businesses are encouraged to contact the nearest Tobacco Control Enforcement Unit office to obtain further information regarding the tobacco retailer registration process. Enditem