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Together, we can help improve community health. That was the message during a recent training for tobacco retailers hosted by the Wisconsin African American Tobacco Prevention Network, Wisconsin Tobacco Prevention & Poverty Network, and Wisconsin Wins Program. The Wisconsin Wins Program uses a science based approach to reduce youth access to tobacco and help retailers avoid fines.
Federal law prohibits the sale or purchase of tobacco to anyone under 21 years old. The fine in Milwaukee for selling tobacco to minors or single cigarettes is $691. Each year, 10,200 youth under the age of 18 try cigarettes for the first time in Wisconsin.
The workshop provided guidance on checking IDs and showed retailers how to access WiTobaccoCheck.org, which provides free training and state certification for retailers related to tobacco. A representative from the FDA also warned retailers about products that have not been authorized for sale in the U.S. and reminded them to ensure they don’t receive those products from vendors. Milwaukee Police Department officers from the Community Prosecution Unit and the License Investigation Unit hosted a panel discussion, providing tips on how to prevent adults from purchasing tobacco for minors and ensure safety of their staff and customers.
The retailers were also given free signage including “no sales to minors” posters, and digital FDA age calculators. Retailers who would like to attend a future training can contact info@jumpatthesunllc.com. For free training retailers can visit WiTobaccoCheck.org.
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