Indiana Rep. Pushes for Mandatory Safety Regulations in C-stores

The Indiana Petroleum Marketers and Convenience Store Association is working with the Late Night Retail Working Group to draft voluntary security measures for retailers.

June 14, 2012

INDIANAPOLIS - An Indiana lawmaker wants safety measures to be mandated at convenience stores open overnight €" this, despite the fact that the Indiana Petroleum Marketers and Convenience Store Association has been closely involved with the Late Night Retail Working Group to develop voluntary regulations for retailers, the News and Tribune reports.

After the last group meeting, state Rep. Ed Delaney called on fellow legislators to require security measures at high-risk convenience stores. Delaney said he expects convenience store owners to oppose a mandate because they are reluctant to spend money on safety. "I€™ve been in the legislature long enough to know that people don€™t like to take their wallet out to comply with any regulation," he said.

Tuesday, the Late Night Retail Working Group formed by Lori Torres, the state€™s labor commissioner, recommended "best practice" safety initiatives that would be voluntary adopted by convenience stores. The extensive list runs from low-cost ideas like better lighting to more expensive items, such as bulletproof glass. The committee pushed high-risk locations €" stores with more than two robberies or other violent crimes annually €" to adhere to the more rigorous proposals.

The Indiana Petroleum Marketers and Convenience Store Association is against mandated safety measures, saying that operators can best determine what security to adopt for their stores.

DeLaney wants his legislation to mirror a Florida law that makes high-risk convenience stores adhere to stronger security initiatives. "We have to have some minimum requirements," he said. "The Florida law identifies the high-risk stores and puts them under a different and more strict regime. It€™s not perfect but it€™s a pretty good compromise."

"We will obviously have to see the details of Rep. Delaney's bill before we can comment, but we look forward to working with him to ensure his legislation is based on the available research, will be effective in reducing incidents of violence and covers the entire retail community," Scot Imus, the association€™s executive director, told NACS Daily.

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