MuskogeePhoenix.com, Muskogee, OK

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May 7, 2009

Clerks must be accountable

If Oklahoma wants to curb sales of tobacco products to minors, then clerks have to be held accountable.

Commissioner Terri White of the state Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services warned on Wednesday that Oklahoma was in danger of losing about $7 million, or 40 percent, of federal substance abuse funds. The funds would not be given to the state if more than 20 percent of the state’s retail stores are cited for selling tobacco to minors.

In 2008, 18.1 percent of retailers were found to have sold to minors, and state officials fear the number is rising.

The state certainly would not want to lose the funding, and in 2004, Oklahoma adopted a law punishing owners of stores that sell tobacco to youths. If a retailer gets three citations in a two-year time period, his or her license to sell tobacco products can be suspended for 30 days.

First, the punishment of retailers should be more severe. Take away the licenses for 30 days with the first infringement and increase the suspension time with each additional offense.

And most importantly, clerks have to be held accountable.

As long as clerks aren’t directly affected, they will continue to be sloppy or indifferent at their jobs.

Some may say the clerks may end up being fired for selling to minors, but if the job doesn’t mean that much to clerks and they can move to other stores, they won’t be conscientious workers.

Clerks who sell to minors should face fines for selling tobacco to minors.

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