What is the preferred storage method for restricted items such as cigarettes?

The preferred storage method for restricted items such as cigarettes is in locked display cases. This method ensures that such items are kept secure and out of reach of unauthorized individuals, especially minors, who are prohibited from purchasing tobacco products. Locked display cases allow customers to see the products without having unsupervised access, thus minimizing the risk of theft and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements related to the sale of restricted goods.

Storing restricted items in open shelves or on display without proper security measures can lead to unauthorized access and potential violations of laws concerning the sale of these items. Similarly, keeping them in a backroom might make them less accessible to customers who are legally allowed to purchase them but may not be the most effective way to display the items for sale. Having them on the counter might expose the items to more opportunities for theft and easier access for individuals who should not have them. Therefore, locked display cases strike a balance between visibility and security.