Introduction

What do cashiers think about minors who buy vapes from them? This question gets to the heart of an often overlooked issue in the world of retail. The attitudes and practices of cashiers can have significant implications for public health and safety, especially concerning the sale of age-restricted goods like electronic cigarettes (vapes).

Cashier Practices Vary

Not all cashiers approach the sale of vapes to minors the same way. Depending on the individual and the circumstances, some cashiers may simply ignore the minor and sell the product, while others will likely be more vigilant and card the minor, ensuring compliance with local laws.

The Importance of Carding

Intelligent cashiers understand the importance of carding (age verification) when selling age-restricted items. Carding serves several critical functions. First, it helps prevent the sale of products like tobacco vapes, cigarettes, and alcohol to minors, thereby reducing public health risks and ensuring compliance with legal standards. Second, failing to card can result in severe penalties, including fines and even closure of the business. These measures are crucial for maintaining a safe and regulated market for these products.

Enforcing Age Controls

At my place of work, we rigorously enforce Challenge 25, which specifically prohibits minors from purchasing age-controlled items. Unfortunately, some smaller, independent corner stores may not adhere to these regulations, allowing minors to purchase vapes. These illegal sales not only pose health risks but also undermine efforts to control these products.

Given this situation, it is imperative that all retailers, including small business owners, understand and comply with age verification laws. Retailers who knowingly sell to minors should face consequences to protect public health and uphold legal standards.

Additionally, Age-Controlled Sales Should Be Licensable

I strongly believe that the sale of tobacco vapes and similar products should be regulated as strictly as alcohol. Ensuring that these sales are licensable would create a more accountable system, encouraging retailers to adhere to age verification practices and promoting public safety.

Public Health and Safety Concerns

No matter the reasons behind a minor's attempt to purchase age-controlled items, the overarching principle remains clear: no ID, no sale. This principle applies to not only vapes but also other items like energy drinks, alcoholic beverages, paracetamol, aspirin, knives, scissors, and any other products that are subject to age restrictions.

The sale of these items to minors can have detrimental effects on health and well-being. Vape products, for instance, can lead to nicotine addiction and potential long-term health complications. By strictly enforcing age controls and promoting a licensable system for such sales, retailers can help mitigate these risks and contribute to a safer community.

In summary, cashiers play a critical role in safeguarding public health and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards. By enforcing age controls and advocating for stricter licensing requirements, retailers can contribute to a healthier and more regulated market for age-restricted items.