If you have reason to believe that an adult customer is buying tobacco for a minor, the responsible thing to do is refuse the sale.

Look for these signs that a third party sale may be taking place:

You notice people approach the adult and hand him/her money.

You overhear minors asking an adult for tobacco products.

An adult makes a multi-brand tobacco purchase.

If you suspect a third party sale, try using the following approach:

Ask the customer if they are buying tobacco products for a minor. Explain that sometimes kids hang around the store and ask adults to buy tobacco for them.

Explain that you could lose your job for making such a sale (in some states it is illegal for customers to attempt to purchase tobacco for minors).

It is important for your store to be seen as a responsible retailer. If you can reasonably determine that an adult customer is buying tobacco for a minor, the responsible thing to do is refuse the sale.