Wal-Mart Gets Tough On Tobacco Sales

The world´s largest retailer and attorneys general in California and 42 other states have reached an agreement to curb tobacco sales to minors.

Wal-Mart Stores has agreed to adopt new age-verification procedures in stores nationwide and will hire an independent company to conduct random compliance checks.

Arkansas Attorney General Mike Beebe said Tuesday the agreement will help ensure compliance with state and federal tobacco laws. Wal-Mart says the company entered the agreement to add “muscle” to law enforcement efforts to prevent the sale of tobacco to underage consumers.

Under the agreement, about 10 percent of Wal-Mart stores will be checked every six months. The company will submit periodic compliance reports to the attorneys general, who will monitor the company´s progress.