Washington, DC — Attorney General Robert J. Spagnoletti announced today an agreement with CVS Pharmacy, Inc., to implement new procedures to reduce sales of cigarettes to minors. In reaching the agreement, General Spagnoletti joins 43 states in requiring the nation’s largest drug store chain to:
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Check the ID of any person purchasing tobacco products when the person appears to be under the age of 27, and accept only a valid government-issued photo ID as proof of age.
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Prohibit self-service displays of tobacco products, the use of vending machines to sell tobacco products, and the sale of smoking paraphernalia to minors.
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Hire an independent entity to conduct random compliance checks every year.
“Every day we keep a child from smoking is a public health victory,” said General Spagnoletti. “With this agreement, CVS joins the growing list of retailers who have demonstrated their commitment to keeping our kids healthy.” The agreement applies to more than 5,400 retail stores in 34 states and the District of Columbia. CVS operates 48 stores in the District.
The “Assurance of Voluntary Compliance” agreement with CVS is part of an ongoing multistate enforcement effort. The District has reached similar agreements with 7-Eleven and Rite Aid stores, and gas stations and convenience stores operating under the Exxon and Mobil brand names. Launched in 2000, the enforcement effort by state Attorneys General seeks to reduce major retailers’ sales of tobacco products to minors. The agreements incorporate “best practices” to reduce sales to minors, developed by Attorneys General in consultation with researchers and state and federal tobacco control officials.
Every day in the United States, more than 2,000 people under the age of 18 start smoking -- one-third of those persons ultimately will die from a tobacco-related disease. Young people are particularly susceptible to the hazards of tobacco, often showing signs of addiction after smoking only a few cigarettes. Eighty percent of adult smokers began smoking before the age of 18.