SINGAPORE – Despite seeing that a pupil was in school uniform, a tobacco retailer in Ang Mo Kio went ahead to sell the 14-year-old cigarettes.
For that, the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) has revoked the tobacco retail licence of Song Hui Kiosk.
“It will no longer be allowed to sell tobacco products,” said the HSA in a statement today (July 5).
The errant retailer was caught via HSA’s ground surveillance, said the authority.
Five other errant tobacco retailers who sold tobacco products to minors under 18 years of age also had their licences suspended.
The outlets are Shivaranjani Minimart, 26 Foodloft, Al Kaaba Mini-Mart, Sin Hup Lee Store, and O A Jalil.
The suspension is for six months.
Anyone caught selling tobacco products to persons below the age of 18 is liable to a maximum fine of up to $5,000 for the first offence and up to $10,000 for the second or subsequent offence. In addition, the tobacco retail licence will be suspended for 6 months for the first offence and revoked for the second offence.
If any outlet is found selling tobacco products to minors under 18 years old in school uniform or to those under the age of 12, their licence will be revoked.
From 2013 to date, 22 tobacco retail licences have been revoked and 32 were suspended by HSA.
maryanns@sph.com.sg
