Three retailers in Hastings have been caught out selling cigarettes to minors.

The Duke Street Foodmarket, Kiwi Street Foodmarket and Joybell Superette have been fined 5-hundred dollars.

It comes after a controlled-purchase operation by the DHB last week.

Health Protection Officer, Theresa Te Whaiti says the result is disappointing, especially as the offending was during the school holidays.

She says retailers need to be more vigilant.