Is it illegal to buy cigarettes in a grocery store (or anywhere) when people in your party are underaged?

Sloth

If a person sells alcohol or cigarettes knowing that the buyer will give them to a minor, then the store can be fined as if they were selling directly to the minor. It's hard to prove anyone knew what the intentions were, but it is still the law. Store owners will usually "play it safe" in situations like this, even though it inconveniences the customer.

Usually it is obvious like a teenager will approach a bum outside of a liquor store and ask him to buy a 6 pack of Smirnoff Ice.

joker_32605

It is not illegal. Otherwise parents couldn't take their kids to the grocery store. A clerk can refuse to sell you cigarettes if he thinks you might give them to someone in your party who is underage.

ilovebobsaget2

It had nothing to do with your party. It had to do with the fact that they couldnt be certain who was actually getting the cigarettes. Next time, have your friend buy her cancer sticks by herself

10S Player

If you present proper ID, you should be able to buy whatever you want, regardless of who you're with.

Kai

unless there's a local ordinance saying so, no I've never heard of such a law. but for next time, make sure the one buying is alone and has i.d

goz1111

They just told you it was illegal, more likely its store policy to ensure that you where not actually buying cigs for an underage person

and that policy is not illegal

Sandra

No as long as the person who is purchasing it is of age. But you also don't want to let on that your are planning to smoke with minors. If that's the plan be descrete at the counter please.

iamsuranovi

They were wrong. They could not sell cigs to the girl who forgot hers, but them saying they can forbid all if one doesn't have one would mean I could'nt buy them if my children are with me. Ridiculous.

renaye i

its not against the law at all in canada anyways, if there not buying the smokes they have nothing to do with it, except for being in the group.

Crystal

I don't think so but I guess they are just being careful, thinking that you are buying the cigarettes for the girl who is underage.

thethingzuneed

good for them.

ezydriver

What if you were a parent, and while you were shopping, with your children, you wanted a packet of cigarettes?

Of course it is legal. It is the person buying them that matters.

Rex K

Some stores, particularly the stop-shop variety..don't appreciate young people in groups..The person wanting to buy the cigarettes should have shopped by her lonesome.. The clerk was trying to be responsible..no doubt the clerk felt it was a "group" purchase.

open4one

That's because the law doesn't really apply to YOU, it applies to the store owner. They have to check ID if a person looks under 35 or face huge fines. Don't blame the store owner, blame the people that vote for more of the "nanny state".

vanessa

its only illeagel in a few states where i live its not illeagel.

xxbekitidexx

erm well put it this way, would they stop a 35yr old mother buying them when they were with there child incase they gave it to them?dont think so. fact is theyre jus arseholes but cos its ther shop they can refuse who they want.
not that you should be smoking anyway u rebel!

SheilaB

Not in Texas. If you are of age you can buy but you cannot supply to another person that is underage. If they thought you were buying for the other girl then yes they would deny you. Which is good. They should take no chances.

raichasays

Technically, they probably could have sold them to those of you with valid ID, but they were being careful. Selling to minors can cause them lots of problems and they don't want anyone who may be looking to get the wrong idea.

Remember, they refuse service to anyone if it's not about race, religion or national origin.

Kava

some stupid clerk did this to me and my boy, i was paying and i went back out to the car for the ID and then she said that because he didn't have his she wouldn't sell.

Basically, a clerk can refuse to sell anything to anybody they choose for any reason they want because america is all about that free enterprise.

hope it didn't blow your weekend.

Mrs. R.

oh i had that happen to me too. My fiance was going to buy some for my mom but the cashier wouldnt allow us cuz i forgot my id.

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