Cigarettes aren’t the only product requiring proof of age at QuikTrip stores these days.
In response to a campaign by firefighters in Johnson County, Kan., to prevent children from playing with fire, the chain has changed its policy and now requires customers to be at least 18 years of age to purchase lighters or matches.
The company is changing its policy at its 74 stores in the metro area, according to KMBC-TV in Kansas City.
Firefighters said some lighters on the market look like toys.
“It’s totally legal for someone to sell matches and lighters to someone, regardless of their age,” Tricia Roberts with the Overland Park Fire Dept. told the news station.
“Procedure will be similar to what it is with tobacco: You have to be 18 or older to purchase a lighter or matches or to get matches in any way,” said QuikTrip Division Manager Timothy Heuback.
Heuback added that clerks weren’t selling to small children before but will now require an ID at any time when age is a concern.
“We thought it was a good idea. We thought it was the right thing to do within our community and to support our store employees, a cause that comes up from time to time with them as well,” Heuback said.