Canada's retailers remind those purchasing tobacco that "We Expect ID"

In support of National Non-Smoking Week, convenience store retailers remind all customers of age-testing programs that restrict youth access to tobacco.

OTTAWA, Jan. 18, 2016 /CNW/ - As National Non-Smoking Week in Canada kicks off, convenience store retailers are reminding Canadians of the role they play in preventing youth access to tobacco and e- cigarette products.

January 18^th marks We Expect ID Day across the country and is being coordinated by the Canadian Convenience Stores Association (CCSA) and its regional affiliates. With 10 million daily customers passing through convenience stores across the country, retailers are inviting Canadians to learn more about the many steps they take to ensure age-restricted products including tobacco, lottery and e- cigarettes do not end up in the hands of minors.

Canada's convenience stores are drawing attention to their impressive track record in preventing youth access to age-restricted products.

"We want to remind our customers and more importantly, lawmakers across the country, that our top priority remains restricting access to adult products," says Alex Scholten, President of the CCSA. "We strive to be responsible retailers and remain vigilant in age testing."

Retailers take pride in a steadily-declining youth smoking rate which is in no small part due to age- verification practices implemented in their stores. A recent study released by Health Canada noted Canada's overall smoking rate is at an all-time low (15%), and even lower among Canadian youth (11%).

"Our members are small business owners that take great care in the controlled sale of age-restricted products seriously, and understand the social contract that comes with that responsibility," says Scholten. "We will continue to work with government to achieve the highest level of retailer compliance."

Through the CCSA and its regional counterparts, the We Expect ID retailer training program is available free of charge for all convenience store staff in the country. This training is offered to all retailers whether they are members of the association or not.

As training continues, the local and national associations' continue to call on local governments to partner with them and support enhanced retailer training to ensure the benefits of the program are communicated to all. More information on the Association's age training can be found at www.we-expect-id.com.

SOURCE Canadian Convenience Stores Association (CCSA)

or to request an interview with the President of the Canadian Convenience Stores Association please contact: Lindsay Doyle, Consultant Summa Strategies Canada, Phone: [phone], Email: [email protected]