Illegal Tobacco Sales to Minors Up in Douglas County

Under-aged Kids Were Able to Buy Tobbaco Products 13% of the Time They Tried

SUPERIOR, Wis.- State mandated compliance checks were held in Douglas County to make sure businesses aren’t selling tobacco products to under aged minors. The minors who were part of the test were able to purchase the tobacco products 13 percent of the time they tried.

Experts say the tobacco industry is producing products that appeal to a younger generation, and businesses across the board need to be up to date on their training to avoid carelessly selling to youth.  The State of Wisconsin offers online programs for retailers and information on compliance with sales to minors so businesses can control this growing problem.

“This is the number 1 killer in the United States. I mean, so we can’t minimize that addiction, and that it starts with youth and children,” said Pat Mckone, director of tobacco control programs and policy for the American Lung Association of the Upper Midwest.

The tobacco industry spends nearly a million dollars an hour marketing their products.