WASHINGTON -- The U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) announced in The Federal Register the availability of a guidance for tobacco retailers entitled "Tobacco Retailer Training Programs."
This guidance document is intended to assist retailers in implementing training programs for employees to learn about and comply with the federal laws and regulations restricting the sale and distribution of, including youth access to, cigarettes and smokeless tobacco; and advertising and promotion of cigarettes and smokeless tobacco.
The Family Smoking Prevention & Tobacco Control Act does not require retailers to implement retailer training programs.; however, the Tobacco Control Act does provide for lower civil money penalties for violations of sale and distribution, including youth access, advertising and promotion restrictions issued under the Federal Food, Drug & Cosmetic Act (FD&C Act), as amended by the Tobacco Control Act, for retailers who have implemented a training program that complies with standards developed by the FDA for such programs.
The FDA intends to issue regulations establishing standards for approved retailer training programs. In the interim, this guidance document is intended to assist tobacco retailers who wish to implement training programs for employees.
The FDA intends to promulgate regulations establishing standards for approved retailer training programs. In the interim, however, for retailers who wish to implement training programs, this guidance document explains definitions; recommendations for elements to be included in a retailer training program; recommended hiring and management practices; the civil money penalties that may be assessed against retailers for violations of restrictions; and how the penalty structure differs for retailers with and without approved training programs.
Click here to view the Sept. 2013 Guidance for Industry: Tobacco Retailer Training Programs.
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