NEW RULES FOCUS ON TOBACCO SALES TO YOUNG PEOPLE

Some historic changes are about to take place in the cigarette and smokeless tobacco business.

Most notable changes are a requirement that tobacco-buyers younger than 27 present identification and that tobacco be sold only in face-to-face exchanges, not through vending machines and self-service displays.

The first phase of federal changes suggested by President Clinton in August 1996, begins Friday. They stem from a U.S. Food and Drug Administration ruling prohibiting sale of cigarettes, cigarette tobacco and smokeless tobacco to anyone under 18.

Beginning Friday retailers must ask to see an ID with photo and date of birth of anyone younger than 26 who purchases tobacco. Failure to comply with the new regulations can result in fines of $250 or more, criminal punishment, seizure of inventory and loss of tobacco retailing rights.

The second phase of the regulations becomes effective Aug. 28. At that time, retailers may not sell cigarettes or smokeless tobacco from self-service displays or vending machines except where people younger than 18 aren't permitted, such as bars and private clubs.

Another change that goes into effect then calls for removal of all color displays inside stores. Only adds with black text on white backgrounds may be used.

"Guessing someone's age by looks can be difficult," said an FDA spokesman in St. Louis. "Some teens can easily pass for their mid-20s. If a consumer appears to be in an age bracket of 26 and under, retail clerks must ask for age identification

Every retailer who sells tobacco products must comply with the new regulations. This includes grocery stores, pharmacies, convenience stores, service stations, restaurants and any other business that sells cigarette or smokeless tobacco.

Clerks need not ask for an ID from every customer every time he or she wants to purchase a tobacco product if it already has been verified that the customer is at least 18.

The legal age to purchase tobacco products is 18 in all states except Alabama, Alaska and Utah, where it is 19.

Cigars and pipe tobacco aren't included in the rules because people under 18 rarely smoke them.

Ralph Sharp, manager of Tobacco Lane in West Park Mall, said, "We're in agreement on the 18-year-old rule." Tobacco Lane has been asking young customers for IDs, said Sharp.

Rhodes 101 has been asking young tobacco-buyers for identification, said Paul Dirnberger of the convenience stores. "Prior to the new FDA regulations, our internal training program required this," he said. "Now, the training requires our associates to card any tobacco customer if they appear to be 26 years of age or under."

Clerks now may card some customers well into their 30s, he said.

"We have even issued our own ban on under-18 smoking in our places of business," said Dirnberger. "We're all for the 18-under regulations."

Tobacco accounts for 28 percent of Rhodes 101 sales, said Dirnberger.

NEW CIGARETTE REGULATIONS

Effective Friday

--Anyone under 27 who purchases cigarettes must be asked for an ID. Customers who have previously presented an ID don't have to present one every time tobacco products are purchased.

Products covered

--Cigarettes

--Cigarette tobacco

The rules do not cover cigars, little cigars or pipe tobacco.

Proof of ID

--Driver's license

--Military identification cards, if they have photo and birth date.

--Passports.