Enforcement of Tobacco Control Legislation in Tasmania
The tobacco control provisions of the Public Health Act 1997 recognise the serious health damage caused by tobacco smoking. The Department of Health and Human Services uses a number of different strategies to enforce the provisions from non-legislative steps such as education and warnings to stronger action such as the issue of infringement notices or prosecution to achieve compliance.
Enforcement Strategies
The major types of enforcement strategies used by the Department are:
- Compliance Visits - Tobacco Control Officers visit tobacco retailers to check compliance with tobacco control provisions relating to licensing, the display and advertising of tobacco products and to provide advice about the legislation.
- Warnings - A person who breaches the tobacco control legislation may be warned verbally or sent a letter.
- Infringement notices - Infringement notices (like a parking ticket) can be issued by Nominated Officers and Tobacco Control Officers for a number of offences.
- Prosecutions.
Tobacco Control Officers
The Department employs Tobacco Control Officers to monitor and enforce the tobacco control legislation. Tobacco Control Officers can provide information and assistance to retailers and members of the public state-wide.
Nominated Officers
Nominated officers are volunteers approved by the Director of Public Health to help enforce the tobacco control legislation. Nominated officers receive training and are encouraged to report possible breaches of the tobacco control legislation to a Tobacco Control Officer for follow up.
Complaints
People in Tasmania can 1800 671 738 (free call) to report breaches of the tobacco control legislation.