BACK TO New Jersey ASSIST (Stop Smoking) PAGE Dated: 1997PREVENTING YOUTH TOBACCO
SALES
A Guide for Managers
As manager of a retail establishment that sells tobacco, you are
charged with educating your employees in the law regarding the sale of tobacco
products to minors. The following can help you and your employees comply with
West Virginia State law.
Know the law
- It is illegal to sell any tobacco product to anyone
under the age of 18.
Include tobacco law instruction in new employee orientation/training. Many
tobacco retailers review the law and their store policies regarding tobacco
sales to minors with new and continuing employees. Some require signed
agreements acknowledging an employee's understanding of the policy. Give a copy
of the state law to all employees.
I.D.
- As part of new employee training, require managers and employees
to ask for legitimate picture I.D. from anyone who appears to be under the age
of 25.
Customer complaints
- If customers complain about your policy, explain
that West Virginia State law prohibits the sale of tobacco products to anyone
under 18.
Parental Complaints
- At times, parents will send an underage child to
purchase a pack of cigarettes or a tin of snuff. After the minor is refused sale
of the product, the parent may complain. Explain to the parent that you and your
employees are not allowed by West Virginia law to sell these products to minors
and that you will be held responsible for breaking the law. A note from a parent
is not sufficient for selling to a minor.
Use signs
- Consider placing window decals or signs stating the store
complies with West Virginia law and that you will not sell to those customers
under the age of 18.
Cigarette Placement
- To control products and prevent theft, consider
placing tobacco products behind a clerk-controlled counter. This could also
increase the odds that an employee will ask for ID., and it may make teens more!
reluctant to ask for tobacco products.