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Cvs Pharmacy New York Ny

New York State Attorney General Eliot Spitzer has reached a settlement with a major pharmacy chain that makes it easier for consumers who do not purchase a product to enter the company's sweepstakes.

CVS Corp., which operates more than 400 stores in New York, settled allegations that its sweepstakes violated consumer protection laws by failing to provide an in-store method of entering the sweepstakes for customers who did not make a purchase.

Under state law, consumers must be given an opportunity to enter and win a sweepstakes even if they don't purchase a product.

The Woonsocket, R.I.-based company conducted a recent sweepstakes offering a Trip of a Lifetime to Oahu, Hawaii, as the grand prize. Consumers who visited a CVS store, purchased digital camera prints and used their CVS ExtraCare Card were entered automatically in the sweepstakes. However, CVS did not make entry forms available at its stores for any other consumers.

The only method of entering for those who didn't purchase digital camera prints with a CVS ExtraCare Card was online, at CVS.com.

Companies that conduct in-store sweepstakes must, according to state law, provide a level playing field for those customers who do not make purchases, Spitzer said.

Under the terms of the settlement, CVS will make entry forms readily available at participating CVS retail locations, post contest rules and regulations at participating CVS retail stores and ensure that its staff is familiar with ongoing sweepstakes promotions.

CVS also agreed to pay $77,000 in civil penalties and costs. The case was handled by Assistant Attorney Generals Doris Morin and Gary Brown.

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