Midwest Governors Acknowledge Efforts to Not Sell Controlled Substances to Minors

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Midwest Governors Acknowledge Efforts to Not Sell Controlled Substances to Minors

AFPD granted proclamations in Michigan, Ohio and Illinois for “We Card Program”

West Bloomfield, MI. (September 19, 2016) –The Associated Food and Petroleum Dealers (AFPD) continues its support of the We Card Program by ensuring that its members do not sell controlled substances to minors. This support was recognized by the governors of Michigan, Ohio and Illinois in their proclamations, which are given for service that increase awareness of significant issues.

The We Card Program is a national non-profit organization focused on ensuring that age-restricted product retailers are fully educated, trained and prepared to reject underage sales.

AFPD members prohibit the sale of tobacco, tobacco-related products and alcohol to customers under the legal age and require all store-level employees to comply with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Regulations.

Store-level employees check the proof of age for anyone who looks younger than 27-years-old, each and every time, to ensure compliance. “Nobody every wants to see a minor having access to tobacco or alcohol," said Auday Arabo, AFPD President and CEO. "These products are regulated for a reason and we need to make sure all retailers as well as minors understand the consequences of their actions. This is why AFPD strongly supports the We Card program.”

Members support the We Card program by making every reasonable effort to properly identify and deny tobacco and alcohol sales to minors. "We know how important it is to not sell to a minor and go above and beyond to make sure we comply with laws dealing with age restricted products," said Dan Papineau, AFPD Director of Government Relations.

AFPD understands that store compliance checks can happen at any moment, which is why members take the regulation of control substances very seriously and support the We Card program.

About AFPD

As the “Voice for the food, beverage and petroleum industry” since 1910, AFPD is a multi-state trade association representing thousands of retailers operating in Michigan, Ohio, Illinois and surrounding states. Our members include independent supermarkets, convenience stores, petroleum retailers, service stations, and specialty food markets. Our membership also includes wholesalers, distributors and manufacturers who support the retail industry.

Media Contacts: Interviews and photos, contact: Vanessa Denha-Garmo (248) 830-8605 or Kris Harris (248) 702-8687.