Lockyer Announces Safeway Tobacco Settlement

Attorney General Bill Lockyer today announced a settlement with Safeway Incorporated that will result in the company´s supermarkets starting new policies to reduce sales of tobacco to minors.

Safeway´s stores include Vons, Pavilions and Pak N Save.

Lockyer calls the settlement a victory for California´s children.

Under the new policies, the stores must check ID for anyone under 27 buying tobacco, as well as program their cash registers to prompt clerks to check ID.

In addition, sale of smoking paraphernalia, candy that looks like cigarettes, and self-service tobacco displays will be prohibited.

Store employees will undergo training, and random checks will be conducted throughout the state of California.

And Safeway Incorporated will pay nearly 250-thousand dollars in penalties.