Wisconsin retailers are doing a better job of helping to keep tobacco out of the hands of minors. That’s according to the results of a statewide compliance survey, which found only about 5.7-percent of retailers sold tobacco illegally to minors.
Stephanie Marquis with the state Health Department says that figure represents a 20-percent drop from the last check done in 2008. She says it really shows outreach, state programs, and cooperation from retailers is paying off to reduce sales to minors.
With more retailers checking IDs, Marquis says it helps to keep kids from starting to smoke, which also reduces their chances of becoming a smoker later on in life.
The federal government sets a target compliance rate of 20-percent for Wisconsin. Marquis says, by maintaining a low rate, Wisconsin will be able to continue receiving nearly $10 million in grant funding for substance abuse prevention and treatment.
The survey results are based on random checks at retailers across the state.
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