CA Gas Stations Implement New Policies to Discourage Under Age Tobacco Sales [07/30-1]

Excerpts from: ARCO to implement new policies on tobacco sales


By San Jose (CA) Business Journal [07/29/03]

BP West Coast Products LLC, which operates 1,250 ARCO gasoline stations in California, says it will implement new policies and procedures to reduce tobacco sales to minors at ARCO gas stations and convenience stores.

"Many companies talk about how they want to reduce tobacco sales to minors. BP has backed up its words with action by making a commitment to protect the health of its young customers," says Bill Lockyer, California attorney general, in announcing an agreement between the gasoline retailer and California and four other Western states.

At all ARCO outlets owned and operated by BP, the agreement requires BP to:

• Prohibit self-service displays of cigarettes, and the use of vending machines to sell tobacco products.

• Prohibit the sale of smoking paraphernalia to minors.

• Check the identification of any person purchasing tobacco products when the person appears to be under age 35.

• Hire an independent entity to conduct annual, random compliance checks of 50 percent of the outlets.

• Transition to cash registers programmed to prompt ID checks on tobacco sales.

• Train employees on state laws and company policies regarding tobacco sales to minors.

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