Pennsylvania's Smoking Age: A Comprehensive Guide for Businesses
Introduction
The smoking age in Pennsylvania is a hot topic for businesses. With the recent increase in the minimum age to purchase tobacco products to 21, businesses need to be aware of the new law and how it will impact their operations. This article will provide an overview of the smoking age in Pennsylvania, including the history of the law, the penalties for violating the law, and the impact on businesses.
History of the Smoking Age in Pennsylvania
The smoking age in Pennsylvania has been 18 since 1972. However, in 2019, the state legislature passed a law increasing the minimum age to purchase tobacco products to 21. The new law went into effect on June 20, 2019.
Penalties for Violating the Smoking Age Law
Businesses that violate the smoking age law can face a number of penalties, including:
| Penalty |
Amount |
| First offense |
$1,000 |
| Second offense |
$2,500 |
| Third offense |
$5,000 |
In addition to these fines, businesses may also lose their license to sell tobacco products.
Impact on Businesses
The new smoking age in Pennsylvania law is likely to have a significant impact on businesses that sell tobacco products. Businesses may see a decrease in sales, as underage smokers are no longer able to purchase tobacco products. Businesses may also need to invest in new training for their employees to ensure that they are aware of the new law.
Tips for Businesses
Businesses can take a number of steps to comply with the new smoking age in Pennsylvania law, including:
-
Post signs: Post signs at your business that state the smoking age in Pennsylvania is 21.
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Train employees: Train your employees on the new law and the penalties for violating it.
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Check ID: Always check the ID of any customer who appears to be under the age of 27.
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Deny sales: If a customer is under the age of 21, deny their sale of tobacco products.
Stories
Story 1
A convenience store in Philadelphia was fined $1,000 for selling cigarettes to a minor. The store had not posted any signs about the smoking age in Pennsylvania and the employees had not been trained on the new law.
Story 2
A gas station in Pittsburgh was fined $2,500 for selling tobacco products to a minor. The gas station had posted signs about the smoking age in Pennsylvania, but employees had not been trained on the new law.
Story 3
A tobacco shop in Harrisburg was fined $5,000 for selling tobacco products to a minor. The tobacco shop had posted signs about the smoking age in Pennsylvania and the employees had been trained on the new law. However, the employees sold tobacco products to a minor anyway.
Conclusion
The new smoking age in Pennsylvania law is a major change for businesses that sell tobacco products. Businesses need to be aware of the new law and the penalties for violating it. Businesses can take a number of steps to comply with the new law, including posting signs, training employees, and checking ID.
Call to Action
If you are a business that sells tobacco products, take the following steps to comply with the new smoking age in Pennsylvania law:
- Post signs at your business that state the smoking age in Pennsylvania is 21.
- Train your employees on the new law and the penalties for violating it.
- Check the ID of any customer who appears to be under the age of 27.
- Deny sales to customers who are under the age of 21.
By following these steps, you can help to ensure that your business is in compliance with the new law.
