Canadian convenience stores that sell age-restricted products must have programs in place at all times that will prevent minors from purchasing these products. These programs (supported by continuous education, material and consequences) will be recognized, supported and endorsed by all levels of government. Convenience stores will earn the right to participate in these programs and by so doing, will be allowed to sell age-restricted products.
We-Expect-ID is the cornerstone of the Canadian Convenience Stores Association’s guiding principle of “Responsible Community Retailing” and is very much a shared responsibility.
The program is now available in convenience stores across Western Canada, Ontario and Quebec (effective June 2008). It was launched in March 2007 after years of development and testing with Ontario Lottery & Gaming, and we believe it is a world-class age verification program.
CCSA members comprise tens of thousands of chain and independent convenience stores in communities across Canada - and thousands of vendors of products and services directly involved in this industry. Combined, we are entrusted with selling more age-restricted products than any other retail outlet. We recognize that we have a community responsibility as much as a legal obligation to control sales to anyone prohibited by law to buy them.
Convenience stores also have duty when selling any age-restricted product – alcohol, tobacco, movies, adult-themed magazines, lottery tickets, fireworks and other combustibles. Our members will only to sell these items in a responsible manner and do their utmost to keep them out of the hands of youth.
To that end, the CCSA has developed and promotes policies and practices such as We-Expect-ID that are in the best interests of the public and that also protect the rights and interests of our members.
Government agencies, lottery corporations and other organizations are checking our members’ stores on a regular basis to ensure each and every retail location is fully in compliance with the laws and regulations required by each province.
The penalties for failing to meet these regulations are severe: monetary fines for staff, store owners, as well as losing the right to sell tobacco, alcohol or lottery products which can easily put a c-store out of business.
With this in mind, CCSA has developed a web-based training site for all CCSA members and their staff. Only by having all staff members fully trained and focused on requesting ID from customers can a retailer protect their interests.
It is more than apparent that this entire matter is a very serious one with obligations and consequences that all participating members must recognize and honour.
Canadian convenience stores that sell age-restricted products must have programs in place at all times that will prevent minors from purchasing these products. These programs (supported by continuous education, material and consequences) will be recognized, supported and endorsed by all levels of government. Convenience stores will earn the right to participate in these programs and by so doing, will be allowed to sell age-restricted products. 
Convenience stores also have duty when selling any age-restricted product – alcohol, tobacco, movies, adult-themed magazines, lottery tickets, fireworks and other combustibles. Our members will only to sell these items in a responsible manner and do their utmost to keep them out of the hands of youth.
