The law requires that tobacco sellers request a photo identification of customers who appear younger than 25 years of age. Merchants must also conspicuously post a sign stating that it is illegal to sell tobacco products to minors. In addition, New York City has one of the toughest laws in the country against vendors who sell tobacco to minors. Repeat offenders can have their license revoked if there is a third violation, or if a second violation occurs within a twenty-four month period. All fines and revocation are subject to a hearing.
Tough laws are only good if they are followed with tough enforcement.
The Department of Consumer Affairs undercover efforts used teams of teenagers, ages 14-17, who are recruited from throughout the five boroughs. These teenagers went into stores and asked to purchase cigarettes. According to the report, vendors in Staten Island were the least likely to sell cigarettes to minors whereas stores in Manhattan were the most likely to sell to undercover teenagers. Such negligence will not be tolerated and the full force of the Department will be brought to bear against any merchant found to be in violation of the law. Ten merchants now face the possibility of license revocations after being cited for their third illegal tobacco sale in two years.