A group of convenience
stores throughout the United States have agreed to step up efforts
to stop underage tobacco sales. The Assurance of Voluntary
Compliance agreement (AVC) includes 40 state attorneys general and
the stores operating under the names of Circle K, Dairymart, and On
The Run.
Under the agreement the convenience stores will adopt specific procedures to reduce the sale of tobacco products to minors.
“This agreement will make it harder for teens to get tobacco and will keep them from a product that creates a lifelong addiction,” said Utah Attorney General Mark Shurtleff. “Circle K should be commended for their efforts to protect our children.”
The Circle K agreement covers 4,000 stores in 32 states. The terms include checking the ID of anyone who appears under 30 years old, restrictions on in-store advertising, and employee training that emphasizes eliminating underage tobacco sales and the health risks of tobacco use.
The agreement also acknowledges that the majority of adult smokers began smoking before 18 and that young people are less likely to be able to quit smoking. Signs of addiction begin to show after only smoking a few cigarettes.
“Fortunately the number of retailers agreeing to take a strong stand against underage tobacco sales is growing,” said Assistant Attorney General Kathy Kinsman, who worked on the agreement. The agreement is part of an ongoing, multi-state enforcement effort to implement practices that were developed by public health experts and tobacco control officials.
