• About
    • Board of Directors
    • Newsletter
    • Industry Alliances
    • Blog
  • Join the OCSA
    • How to Join
    • Retail Members
    • Vendor Partners
  • 50/50 Lottery
  • Member Benefits
    • Lottery
    • Moneris
  • Training Certifications
  • Contact Us
Menu
  • About
    • Board of Directors
    • Newsletter
    • Industry Alliances
    • Blog
  • Join the OCSA
    • How to Join
    • Retail Members
    • Vendor Partners
  • 50/50 Lottery
  • Member Benefits
    • Lottery
    • Moneris
  • Training Certifications
  • Contact Us
JOIN NOW

Age Testing and Covid-19 Masks

OCSA Covid face mask id checking

We encourage all convenience stores to ensure they can properly age test and identify tobacco purchasers during these COVID 19 times.

The OCSA has reached out to the Ministry Health and SFOA asking for a prodigal of their expectations of identifying tobacco purchasers who are now wearing safety masks. We need all 34 Public Health Units to be aligned on the direction and expectations of this issue to help us consistently give direction to our employees.

At this time there has been no response from the Ministry of Health or the Public Health Units.

Every retailer should have a plan to confirm the identity of customers who appear to be 25 and under by asking them to step back and lower their mask for a confirmation.

If customers refuses, then it safer to end the sale so as not to contravene the act.

Also, as suggested in the past (after confirming identity) when selling tobacco, lottery and other age restricted products be sure to ask the question:

“Are you old enough today to purchase tobacco in my store?  Please declare your age.”

Retailers have worked together over the last 10 years to be the best at selling age restricted products and this is just another new challenge we face with no direction from the government.

Share Article:

Become an OCSA Member

*if you have more than one location, please contact our office at 904.845.9152 to discuss multiple store discounts.

Earlier Posts

OCSA Convenience Stores report on RTD - ready to drink alcohol

Ready-to-Drink (RTD) Alcohol Industry Trends

Read More >
OCSA Red Stripe Official Beer of the Toronto Caribbean Carnival

How to Capitalize on Red Stripe Beer During the Toronto Caribbean Carnival

Read More >

Join Our
Newsletter

Get the latest updates on alcohol sales, member benefits, lottery, industry news and much more!

By submitting this form, you are consenting to receive marketing emails from: OCSA, 466 Speers Road, #3rd Floor, Oakville, ON, Ontario, L6K 3W9, CA, www.ontariocstores.ca. You can revoke your consent to receive emails at any time by using the SafeUnsubscribe® link, found at the bottom of every email. Emails are serviced by Constant Contact.

The OCSA represents 6,700 convenience store retailers in the province of Ontario. The not-for-profit association is active in advocacy, education and training for its members.

  • 466 Spears Road, 3rd floor, Oakville, Ontario, Canada L6K3W9
  • info@conveniencestores.ca
  • 905.845.9152
Facebook-f Twitter Linkedin

Privacy Policy

Become a Member

Take advantage of a growing range of benefits including networking and exclusive professional development opportunities, as well as discounts on products and services from our partners.

*if you have more than one store, please contact our office to learn more about multiple location discounts.

© 2025 All Rights Reserved.

Powered by Sense of Agency.