OMEGA News - OMEGA - West Virginia Oil Marketers & Grocers Association

Details: Press; September 12, 2008

We have been contacted by the Governor's Office and Jimmy Gianato, Director of the WV Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management, regarding their concern about possible fuel outages because of Hurricane Ike. They are willing to work with us in any way that they can and they asked to be made aware of any fuel outages if and when they occur.

We request that if you incur any outages, runs or other problems as it relates to fuel over the next few days, that you contact Jan Vineyard either at (304) 343-5500 or (304) 415-2497.

Details: Press; August 21, 2008

KEROSENE PURCHASED FROM MAY 1, 2008 UNTIL AUGUST 19, 2008 MAY BE DANGEROUS AND SHOULD NOT BE USED. THE KEROSENE MAY BE CONTAMINATED WITH GASOLINE, CREATING A RISK OF FIRE OR EXPLOSION.

Details: Press; March 19, 2008

Details: Press; March 19, 2008

Gasoline prices across the state and the country are as high as they've ever been, and federal economists are predicting even steeper prices this spring.

According to the American Automobile Association, the average price for unleaded gas in West Virginia reached $3.37 per gallon on Tuesday, while in Charleston the average was $3.43. Nationally, the average was $3.25.

Prices have never been higher.

According to the federal Department of Energy's Energy Information Administration, the monthly average gasoline price nationwide is likely to crest at $3.50 this spring. In some regions, the price could exceed $4 per gallon, the EIA says in its Short-Term Energy Outlook report published this week

Details: Press; November 30, 2007

On November 14, OMEGA held a discussion with ABCA personnel in Flatwoods, WV. Several member companies were on hand to discuss areas of concern.

Below is a memo that was handed out by Sarah Smith, an enforcement agent with the ABCA.

As tobacco retailers, you are on the frontlines in preventing the sale of tobacco to minors. Why does it matter if you sell tobacco to minors? What kind of impact can your decision to sell, or not to sell have on our children?

The Surgeon General says that more than 1 million young people continue to become regular smokers, and more than 400,000 Americans die every year from tobacco related diseases more than AIDS, illegal drugs, alcohol, fires, car accidents, murders and suicides combined. Refusing to sell tobacco to minors is the first step in eliminating harmful consequences that tobacco can have on a minors life.

Some facts about children and smoking have been provided by the Surgeon General that may help to explain the impact of tobacco use on minors:

Most people start using tobacco before they finish high school. So, if minors stay smoke-free in school, they will probably never begin to smoke.
Tobacco is often the first drug used by kids, and can often lead to alcohol and illegal drug use.
Kids who begin smoking while in school are more likely to get lower grades, hang out with other kids who smoke and have a low self-esteem.
Most teens want to quit smoking, but cant because they are addicted to nicotine and experience withdrawal symptoms just like adults.
People working in their communities, kids warning kids about the dangers of smoking and prevention programs with the help of tobacco vendors are keeping kids away from tobacco.

As tobacco vendors you have the opportunity and the legal obligation to refuse the sale of tobacco to minors. Your clerks are the last line of defense and must be fully equipped with the knowledge and training needed to properly identify minors and refuse to sell to them. Your store policies set the tone for how minors will perceive your store. Are you an easy target for tobacco, or is your store committed to the law and to preventing the sale to minors?

Tips for Owners/Managers

Communicate to all employees that it is against the law to sell distribute, or furnish in any way cigarettes, chewing tobacco or other tobacco products to anyone under the age of 18 and that employees must comply with the law.
Inform employees that both storeowners and clerks receive fines or penalties for illegally selling tobacco products to anyone under the age of 18.
Require employees to request picture identification from anyone purchasing tobacco who appear to be under the age of 27.
Reassure employees that checking ID is important, no matter how many people are in line. It is their job to make sure that they do not sell tobacco products to anyone under the age of 18.

Checking ID for anyone purchasing tobacco who appears to be under the age of 27 is the best way to make sure that tobacco is not sold to youth under the age of 18. Remind employees that height, build, facial hair, make-up, clothing and attitude may lead them to assume teens are older than they are.
Explain to employees that Agents or Inspectors from the West Virginia Alcohol Beverage Control or representatives from local law enforcement agencies are checking businesses to see if they are complying with the state law. Persons under the age of 18 will go with the agents and attempt to buy tobacco products.
Remind employees they cannot sell tobacco products to a youth under the age of 18 even if the youth states it is for a parent or presents a note from a parent or guardian.
Reinforce your policy regularly by reminding employees about the law at staff meetings, through notices posted in the break room, newsletters, payroll stuffers, etc.
If customers complain about your policy, explain that state law prohibits the sale of tobacco products to anyone under the age of 18, and there are penalties for not complying with the law.

Implement a special training regarding the prevention of illegal sales of tobacco to youth under the age of 18.
Install scanning system software which automatically prompts cashiers to check ID when a tobacco product is scanned at the time of purchase.
Implement a secret shopper program to ensure that employees are honoring all store policies.

Tips for Clerks

It is illegal to sell, distribute or furnish cigarettes, chewing tobacco, or any other tobacco product to anyone under the age of 18 years in West Virginia.
Be aware that both storeowners and clerks can receive fines or penalties for illegally selling tobacco products to anyone under the age of 18.
State law requires identification to be checked prior to selling tobacco to a young person. Request picture ID from anyone purchasing tobacco who appears to be under the age of 27.
Do not feel rushed about checking ID, no matter how many people are in line. It is your job to make sure that you do not sell tobacco products to anyone under the age of 18.
Checking ID for anyone purchasing tobacco who appears to be under the age of 27 is the best way to make sure that tobacco is not sold to youth under the age of 18. Remember that height, build, facial hair, make-up, clothing and attitude may lead you to assume teens are older than they are.
Agents or Inspectors from the West Virginia Alcohol Beverage Control or representatives from local law enforcement agencies are checking businesses to see if they are complying with state law. Persons under the age of 18 will go with the agents and attempt to buy tobacco products.
Remember tobacco products may not be sold to a youth under the age of 18 even if the youth states it is for a parent or presents a note from a parent or guardian.
If customers, friends or family complain about the policy, explain that state law prohibits the sale of tobacco products to anyone under the age of 18, and there are penalties for not complying with the law.

Ask your manager or storeowner for special training regarding the prevention of illegal sales of tobacco to youth under the age of 18.
If your store uses a scanning system, use it EVERY TIME! Also, utilize tools from the SEE RED program.