PENNSYLVANIA CONTINUES TO CURB ILLEGAL SALE OF TOBACCO PRODUCTS TO MINORS

According to data released earlier this year, tobacco sales to minors continue to decrease. This year the national retailer violation rate dropped to 12%.

In Pennsylvania, the sale rate is well below the national average at a 7% sale rate. The state sale rate is the result of unannounced compliance checks at a random sample of retail outlets over a defined period of time each summer.

In Allegheny County, compliance with the national legislation enacted by the Synar Amendment, is coordinated by Tobacco Free Allegheny and the Allegheny County Health Department. In addition to the random checks, Tobacco Free Allegheny and the health department conduct unannounced compliance checks throughout the year.

RETAILERS CITED FOR SELLING TOBACCO TO MINORS

In August 2004, Tobacco Free Allegheny began enforcing the state law banning tobacco sales to anyone under 18.

TFA conducts monthly compliance checks throughout the county. During a compliance check, a teenager is sent into an establishment to purchase a tobacco related product. If the purchase is successful, a TFA Compliance Officer files a private criminal complaint against the establishment with a district judge.