FDA Tobacco Carding: Employee Compliance Form
This document must be read and signed by all employees for their file.

1. The legal age to purchase tobacco is 18 (19 in Alabama, Alaska, and Utah).
   The FDA requires that anyone under the age of 27 attempting to purchase cigarettes or smokeless tobacco is to be carded. This does not apply to pipe tobacco and cigars.
2. The ID must include photo and date of birth.
3. If you have a repeat customer who you have already carded and is of legal age, you do not have to card that customer again.
4. The FDA will enforce this regulation by contracting with state agencies.
   The FDA will enforce this regulation by contracting with state agencies. They will form inspection teams made up of an adult commissioned official and a 15-16 year old who, together, will conduct random stings at retail locations. The teenager will attempt to purchase a tobacco product while the adult observes the date, time & whether the sale was made. Violations will be sent to the FDA who will issue a warning letter or fine. This will trigger additional sting operations. The FDA has the authority to impose fines up to $15,000. There will be no fines or penalties for the minor.
5. Community activists, anti-tobacco groups and parents will be watchdogs in enforcing the regulations.
   • a) They will be sending volunteers to stage tobacco purchases.
   • b) They will be using adults under 27 to test the carding regulations.
   • c) They will report directly to the FDA.
   • d) They may be handing out leaflets to store personnel.
6. What you must do to abide by the regulations and conduct yourself professionally. . .:
   • a) Card anyone who looks under 30--to be safe.
   • b) If a customer objects, hand them a tear sheet from the counter, point to our signage or call a manager immediately for assistance.
   • c) If anyone from the media begins asking you any questions, call the manager immediately. Do not answer the questions. Anything you say is considered "on the record" and could appear in the newspaper, on the television, or over the radio.
   • d) If any anti-tobacco groups, community activists, parent groups etc., enter the store, call a manager immediately. Do not answer any questions. If they are handing out leaflets, accept them and give them directly to management.
   • e) Always be polite, courteous, and professional. We do not expect you to engage in any discussions or arguments. Management will deal with this.

If you do not meet your responsibilities here, we will be forced to take disciplinary action.
Carding and proofing are not new to our company. We have an excellent record regarding underage alcohol purchases, and we are committed to handling this equally well. I have read and understand the above. I will comply will all such rules and regulations.

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Employee Signature     Date