Variety store cited for tobacco policy
PRESQUE ISLE — Healthy Aroostook has announced that Ray’s Hometown Variety has been recognized for their efforts to curb marketing of tobacco to youth. They have become a Star Store: a responsible retailer who takes seriously their role as a community member in reducing the visibility of tobacco advertising to kids.
“Reducing the volume of advertising that kids are exposed to can make a serious difference in preventing Maine’s youth from starting tobacco,” said Carol Bell, project director. “We’re extremely pleased that Ray’s has become Star Store certified, and encourage other retailers in the community to do the same.”
The objective of the Star Store program is to reduce the amount of minors’ exposure to tobacco promotional messaging in retail stores, such as special price and discount signage, free branded promotional items, and general tobacco company in-store posters, signs and other visible logos. The Star Store program works in combination with NO BUTS! (Blocking Underage Tobacco Sales), the Maine CDC program to stop the illegal sale of tobacco to minors.
One-third of underage experimentation with smoking is attributed to the tobacco industry’s marketing tactics. Studies also show that the more in-store tobacco advertising a retailer has, the more youth think that tobacco use is common and widespread.
Healthy Maine Partnerships (HMPs) make contact with stores, meet with managers, conduct surveys, and then recommend changes in tobacco signage and promotion. A retailer’s Star Store designation can be displayed prominently in the store with a decal.
“It has always been my policy to keep tobacco advertising to a minimum in my store.” said Ray Lamoreau , store owner of Rays Hometown Variety. “Not only is tobacco advertising not allowed outside of my store but it also is not allowed anywhere outside of the area where the tobacco is sold inside the store.”
“The sad truth is that the tobacco industry spends $40.9 million in Maine alone each year to promote its products. That means that youth are exposed to clever, aggressive marketing that requires our diligence,” said Dawn Roberts, Community Education Specialist. “The Star Store program is a great step that responsible retailers can take to help reduce Big Tobacco’s influence on kids.”
Healthy Aroostook is a local Healthy Maine Partnership and program of Aroostook County Action Program (ACAP). Healthy Aroostook serves 46 communities with a focus on nutrition, physical activity, substance abuse, tobacco and worksite wellness.
