Pact Between 39 States and Store Chains Aimed at Preventing Tobacco Sales to Minors

The Attorneys General of 39 states reached an agreement with the companies that own Circle K (Dairy Mart) and On The Run stores aimed at preventing tobacco sales to minors. The agreement increases training for store employees and will impose independent compliance checks for the companies’ 4,000 stores.

Reuters reports that the group of Attorneys General previously had secured similar agreements with gas station convenience stores selling fuel under the brand names Conoco, Phillips 66 or 76, Exxon, Mobil, BP Amoco, Shell, Valero, ARCO and Chevron. Agreements also have been reached with Kroger, 7-Eleven, Walgreens, Rite Aid, CVS and Walmart.

According to a press release issued by Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan, the agreement with Circle K includes that:

•    ID must be checked on everyone who appears to be under 30 years old.

•    In-store tobacco advertising must be limited in ways intended to reduce the effect on young people.

•    Employee training will focus on how to eliminate tobacco sales to minors.

•    Circle K will conduct “mystery shopper” compliance checks at 500 of its stores every six months.