LYNN, Mass. -- Some 70% of the convenience and package stores in Lynn, Mass, are facing nonrenewal of their food licenses next month as a result of a survey conducted in March, reported The Daily Item.
Of 141 stores surveyed, 99 were found to be in violation of a law passed in December 2004 aimed at reducing the risk of robberies at convenience stores. The law was passed after a c-store clerk was slain during a predawn robbery in early 2004.
It's really a safety issue, not anything else, MaryAnn O'Connor, director of the health [image-nocss] division of the Inspectional Services Department, told the newspaper.
All of the stores that were in violation of the law were advised by mail that food permit applications are due by May 31 and will not be renewed if the noncompliant stores do not address the violations, said the report.
The law regulates the percentage of window space, 30%, that a storeowner can use to post fliers or advertising.
Some of the stores get reimbursements from vendors for putting up signs in the window, O'Connor said.
The law also states that stores keep their cash registers visible from the sidewalk, keep all entrances and exits free of advertisements, keep a sign visible that states the cash register contains $50 or less and that the safe is not accessible to employees, and to keep an unobstructed view of the cash register and the transaction area from the store's main window.
All of the measures are intended to deter a robber from holding up a store if he or she thinks their actions could be observed from the street, the report said.
There are other aspects of the law that deal with security cameras and alarm systems; however, O'Connor said the Health Department is focused on the signage requirements. She also said the Police Department enforces the security aspects of the law.
O'Connor said the department does not plan to fine noncompliant businesses for not conforming with the law, but the city will deny applications for license renewal if the regulations are not met.
Members help make our journalism possible. Become a CSP member today and unlock exclusive benefits, including unlimited access to all of our content. Sign up here.