Council warns illegal cigarette sellers to stop or face prosecution

The Nadi Town Council has urged those selling cigarette rolls at public spots to stop because it is illegal.

This is after a growing concern on the number of cigarette peddlers who do business in the streets and even at certain market locations.

A team from this newspaper has witnessed some cigarette peddlers doing their business at the various locations in the market and town.

They sell cigarette rolls at $1 each.

The Nadi Town Council chief executive officer Craig Powell, has issued a stern warning to the peddlers in this regard.

He said, “at this difficult time, we would prefer our people to make an honest living and give our peddlers good advice about how to conduct business in the right way.”

Minister for Health and Media Services Dr Ifereimi Waqanibete said that this was illegal and was driven by the con

People can be fined up to $1000 if found selling loose cigarettes and up to $5000 if prosecuted in court.

sumer demand.

This practice is a violation of the Tobacco Control Act, which bans the sale of single cigarettes.

Under the Tobacco Control Act, people can be fined up to $1000 if found selling loose cigarettes and up to $5000 if prosecuted in court.

A packet of 10 cigarettes cost around $7.50 and with the sale of loose cigarettes, the seller is making a profit of $2.50 on a packet.

Smoking remains one of the key reasons for many noncommunicable diseases in the country.