Stores minimize advertising to youth
CARIBOU — Power of Prevention has confirmed that three northern Maine tobacco retailers have received the state of Maine’s Gold Star status for their efforts in reducing or eliminating tobacco advertising at youth.
 |
|
Contributed photo Steve Quist, the assistant store manager of Hannaford’s in Caribou, is shown here, placing the sticker sent to him by the state of Maine in recognition of his store’s Gold star status. The Star Store program encourages tobacco retailers to reduce or eliminate tobacco advertising aimed at youth. |
Gold star recipients are Paul’s Gas in Frenchville, Louise Paradis, manager; Saucier’s Shur Fine in Van Buren, Jim Lizotte, owner; and Hannaford in Caribou, James Redman, manager. The three establishments have been awarded Gold Star Store Status. Star Store status is maintained for two years, at which point a reassessment will need to be made.
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 brand promotional items and general tobacco company branding on store posters, signs and other visible logos.
Customers entering a Star Store can rest assured that these tobacco retailers are doing their part to keep tobacco out of the hands of minors.
Steve Quist, assistant store manager at the Caribou Hannaford location, said, “We are 100 percent committed to this, and all employees are well trained from their first day about tobacco sales.”
Stores are selected based on store participation in the No Buts! program.
For more information about the Star Store program, No Buts! program, or other local community health initiatives, contact Rachel Dufour at Cary Medical Center, rdufour@carymed.org, or 207-436-5189.
