Example Letter for Employees
You must read this carefully

Guidance for employees on the sale of Cigarettes and Tobacco

These guidance notes have to be read by you as an employee and the duplicate copy attached must be signed and returned to your employer. When you have signed the document you are acknowledging the fact that you have read and clearly understood the contents of this guidance sheet. It you have any questions these should be raised before signing otherwise it will be assumed that you understand clearly and have no doubts concerning the contents of these guidance notes.

You must follow the following guidelines in the sale of all Cigarettes, Tobacco and related products to members of the public.

1 SERVICE OF CUSTOMER

A minority of the population buy Cigarettes, Tobacco and related products. One of the major outlets of these products are Newsagents. Cigarettes, Tobacco and related products must not be sold to customers who are under the minimum age under any circumstances. Any reason they give for wanting to buy Cigarettes, Tobacco and related products is irrelevant e.g. they are for my parent.

The minimum age for Cigarettes, Tobacco and related products is 18. When you are not absolutely certain that the customer is old enough you must ask to see a proof of age card (CitizenCard), photo driving licence or passport. The onus must be on the customer to prove that they are of an age to purchase the products.

It is a criminal offence to sell individual cigarettes to anyone. Cigarettes must be sold in the manufactures packets.

2. CRIMINAL RESPONSIBILITY

It is a criminal offence to sell Cigarettes, Tobacco and related products to anyone below the minimum age of 18. It is vitally important that you understand this. On that basis the above is repeated to you that it is a criminal offence to sell single cigarettes to anyone. This means that if you sell Cigarettes, Tobacco and related products to someone who is under the minimum age, 18, your employer may become liable for criminal prosecution even though it was not your employer who sold the product. Further, you, may be criminally prosecuted for selling the product. Cases will be prosecuted in the local Magistrates Court and, on conviction, may result in a heavy fine and a criminal record.
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I have been trained in the laws and procedures relating to the sale of Cigarettes, Tobacco and related products and am fully aware of my responsibilities. I am also aware that if I fail to follow these guideline I may put may employment at risk. I am/am not under 18. (delete as necessary)

Name………………….………..

Signed…………………………. Date……………………………