Wednesday, February 26, 1997

Attorney General Richard Blumenthal today urged Connecticut retailers to take the steps necessary to comply with a new federal rule that requires businesses selling tobacco products to request identification for all purchasers who appear to be younger than 27 years old.

The new rule, which takes effect Friday, is part of the Food and Drug Administration's continuing efforts to curb tobacco use by minors. Connecticut law prohibits the sale of tobacco products to anyone under 18 years old.

"This new rule adds impetus and ammunition to our common cause -- uniting retailers, parents and health advocates to ensure that tobacco products are not sold to minors," Blumenthal said. "By requiring identification for not only those who are under 18, but those who appear to be in their early or mid-20s we should seek zero tolerance for minors gaining access to tobacco products."

The FDA will conduct compliance checks independently or in conjunction with states to ensure that tobacco products are not being sold to minors.

Blumenthal said a survey done last summer showed that nearly 60 percent of youths could purchase cigarettes over the counter and 95 percent could purchase through vending machines.

"Retailers will get serious or be sorry about keeping tobacco products away from our children," Blumenthal said. "The people of our state do not want their children to smoke and this new rule should give us another tough tool to stop illegal sales."

Blumenthal, who has worked with retailer groups for two years to improve training for store employees, was joined by Michael Fox, president of the Connecticut Gasoline Retailers Association. The new rule is part of a broader FDA regulation effort, which includes new regulations regarding tobacco advertising that take effect in August.

The FDA will issue a warning to any business that sells to minors and follow that up with an unannounced compliance check that could result in a $250 fine. In addition, the business could be subject to tougher penalties under a new Connecticut law, which takes effect on July 1.

For more information about the new rule, people can contact the FDA at a toll-free number: 1-888-FDA-4KIDS or visit the FDA's Web Site By Clicking Here