CANTON, Mass. -- Cumberland Farms Inc. has reached an agreement with the Massachusetts Attorney General's Office resolving allegations that the company lacked the proper procedures to curb tobacco sales to minors.
An analysis of Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) compliance check data showed that Cumberland Farms retail outlets made tobacco sales to persons under the age of 18. Also, DPH's Tobacco Control Program conducted tobacco sales testing by having minors attempt to buy tobacco products from Cumberland Farms stores. This sales testing [image-nocss] showed that the chain unlawfully sold tobacco products to a minor 134 times between 2004 and the first six months of 2006.
Under the settlement agreement, Cumberland Farms paid $35,000 to the Commonwealth.These funds will be applied to the AG's Local Consumer Aid Fund to help fund tobacco-related or other consumer programs.
The deal requires changes to Cumberland Farms personnel practices relating to the sales of tobacco to minors, including establishing new policies surrounding the sales of tobacco products and hiring an independent company to perform random compliance checks.
Other major stipulations of the agreement require the company to:
Check the ID of any person purchasing tobacco products when the person appears to be under the age of 27, and accept only valid government-issued photo ID as proof of age consistent with state regulations. Offer special training to under-21 employees about high "peer pressures" sales. Issue a test to employees whose duties involve the sales of tobacco products to ensure that employees fully comprehend state law and store policies. Program store cash registers to remind employees to ask for ID. Ban the sale of candy, chewing gum and other similar products that are designed to look like cigars or cigarettes. Restrict advertising of tobacco products to tobacco display areas and prohibit outdoor and outward-facing tobacco advertising within 500 feet of schools and playgrounds. Train employees on state and local laws and company policies regarding tobacco sales to minors, including explaining the health-related reasons for laws that restrict youth access to tobacco. Employees will have to sign an acknowledgment form stating they have received the training.The retailer operates approximately 125 stores in Massachusetts.
"Massachusetts law requires retailers to check the photo ID of every customer who appears under the age of 27 to verify that the customer is at least 18-years-old before selling tobacco products, and we expect retailers to abide by that law." said Attorney General Martha Coakley. "With every step we take toward curbing youth access to tobacco, we reduce the chances of lifelong nicotine addiction and increase chances of preventing many fatal diseases such as lung cancer."
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