Tobacco compliance checks show progress in Milwaukee | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Dwayne Burtin
January 31, 2024
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Tobacco law compliance checks conducted last weekend by the Wisconsin African American Tobacco Prevention Network (WAATPN) and Wisconsin Tobacco Prevention & Poverty Network (WTPPN) as part of the Wisconsin Wins Programs last weekend revealed that just 8% of attempts by minors to purchase tobacco resulted in illegal sales. This total is a major decrease compared to the overall sales rate in 2023 of 33% for checks conducted by those groups.
“We think this weekend’s checks are a positive sign that more retailers understand the importance of not selling tobacco to anyone under the age of 21,” said Dr. Steven Tipton, who oversees the Wisconsin Wins Program for the WAATPN & WTPPN. “We hope this positive momentum continues.”
Overall, the state of Wisconsin has experienced an increase in illegal sales of tobacco to minors. Underage tobacco and vape sales increased to 13.6% in 2023, compared to 11.9% in 2022, according to the Wisconsin Department of Health Services.
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The WAATPN and WTPPN have worked closely with retailers to provide free training on federal and local laws related to tobacco sales, provided free signage and other support. They have also worked closely with the Milwaukee Police Department and Food and Drug Administration to ensure that retailers who sell to minors are held accountable.
Youth participants in the Wisconsin Wins Program describe the experience as rewarding.
“My experience was amazing. I was a part of something wonderful that is meant to keep young people like me away from tobacco and from potentially developing a lifelong and deadly addiction,” said a 17-year-old Wins participant.
Another Wins participant called the experience eye-opening.
“Even the fact that we have been able to purchase tobacco is proof that the tobacco industry is harming my peers and my community,” she said. “It is my belief and the belief of many others that candy and fruit flavored tobacco products were created to appeal to underage customers.”
Retailers can access free, state-approved training to help their employees avoid underage sales at www.witobaccocheck.org. Tobacco users ready to quit can call 1-800-QUIT NOW (784-8669) or text “READY” to 200-400 for free help. Youths who are looking for free support to quit vaping can text VAPEFREE to 873373.