ExxonMobil Tackles Teen Smoking

FAIRFAX, Va. -- Underage smokers may have a harder time buying cigarettes at gas stations and convenience stores across the country under a deal announced Tuesday by attorneys general in 43 states and Exxon Mobil Corp.

ExxonMobil is one of the first in the industry to take the lead in initiating new curbs on underage smoking, which includes more intensive staff training, internal and external reviews, monitoring of sales practices and the removal of all self-service displays of tobacco products at service stations.

The company has already included in its franchise agreements with distributors and dealers the requirement that sales to underage customers are not permitted and that those franchisees will promptly notify ExxonMobil of all notices of violation of youth access laws.

"We are very serious about taking additional action to prevent minors from buying cigarettes and other tobacco products. We currently have stringent curbs in place, and we are committed to further enhancing those measures through the recommendations proposed by the attorneys general," said Jim Carter, regional director for ExxonMobil. "We applaud their efforts to end smoking by minors in America and we encourage other retailers to follow suit."

ExxonMobil operates at a 16,000-store network of convenience stores that sell fuel under the Exxon and Mobil brands.
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