Clocks for local stores selling cigarettes promotes ID check
Published on June 25th, 2008
STONEHAM, MA - Local stores are now receiving vivid, colorful clocks that remind store employees to ID younger looking customers who want to purchase cigarettes.
"Time to ID, that's the message," said Ron Beauregard, Director of Healthy Communities Tobacco Control Program, a program representing the Stoneham Board of Health on tobacco control issues. His organization is distributing the clocks free of charge to all stores that sell tobacco.
In addition to displaying the time of day, each clock displays a lighted sign that reminds retail store employees to ID anyone buying tobacco products who appears to be under the age of 27. The clock also serves as a reminder that no one under the age of 18 can purchase tobacco.
The clocks reinforce the message that simply asking for an ID from younger looking customers is a key factor in lowering tobacco sales to minors. Healthy Communities Tobacco Control Program has conducted numerous "stings" to check for illegal sales to youth. "In the past 3 years, we've seen the percentage of illegal sales to youth drop from 13% to 5%," said Beauregard. "The message to ID is paramount in the fight to curb tobacco sales to youth and the clocks provide a flashy, yet utilitarian way of advancing that message."
"The clocks are sharp looking and an eye catcher," said Beauregard. "Store owners like them because every time an employee even glances for the time, they'll be reminded of an extremely important message for the protection of youth."
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