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[ INDUSTRY NEWS]
Study: Online cigarette sales still a concern
A recent study conducted by the American Wholesale Marketers Association suggests that Internet cigarette sales continue to be a growing problem for the CTS industry.
The AWMA conducted its study to determine how well recent crackdowns issued by the National Association of Attorneys General, United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, tobacco companies and major credit-card companies are working to deter consumers from purchasing cigarettes via Internet smokeshops.
Based on findings by the AWMA, more work needs to be done, particularly in the form of federal legislation to strengthen the Jenkins Act and stop the illegal sale of cigarettes via the Internet.
"Although AWMA undertook this study recognizing that the problem of Internet trafficking of cigarettes is a growing concern, we were ultimately shocked by what our study revealed in terms of the scope of the problem and the lack of adequate enforcement," noted the study. "While many states are working to address this issue, it is clear that these patchwork efforts are falling short and a more comprehensive solution is needed to effectively combat illegal Internet cigarette sales nationwide."
The study found that out of 30 randomly selected Internet smokeshops, AWMA was easily able to purchase cigarettes online from 18 of those sites, of which more than half allowed purchases to be made with a credit card, such as Visa, Diners, MasterCard and/or American Express. As for age verification, most sites simply had a statement on the home page stating users must be of a certain age to purchase cigarettes, as well as a simple check-off to verify the buyer is 18 years of age or older.
According to the study, "While AWMA supports the efforts made by those working to end illegal Internet sales of cigarettes, the findings in this report point to the critical need for federal action to win the war against these illegal sales."
To access the complete AWMA report, go to www.awmanet.org.
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