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CONTACT: Beth Kaplan, (608) 267-3810
TOBACCO SALES TO WISCONSIN KIDS DROP AGAIN
MADISON – Governor Jim Doyle today announced that tobacco sales to
Wisconsin minors decreased significantly this year. The state’s 2010
Synar sales compliance survey, which determines the number of retail
outlets selling tobacco illegally to minors, shows the noncompliance rate
dropped to 4.7 percent, down from 5.7 percent in 2009.
"In Wisconsin, we are working hard to protect our kids from
tobacco,” Governor Doyle said. “This year’s compliance survey is
direct evidence that funding a comprehensive tobacco prevention program
pays off. Credit also goes to retailers for helping to keep tobacco out of
the hands of minors.”
The annual Synar survey randomly selects retail outlets from across the
state to determine a reliable estimate of the rate of illegal tobacco
sales to minors. This is the eighth straight year the illegal sales rate
fell below the Federal target rate of 20 percent. Failure to meet this
target rate would have jeopardized 40 percent of the state’s federal
block grant funds for substance abuse prevention and treatment -
approximately $10 million.
To meet federal goals, the state’s “Wisconsin Wins” program works
with local partners, including health departments and other local agencies
to conduct investigations to determine retailer compliance. The program,
run by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services Tobacco Prevention and
Control program, also provides free online retailer training for Wisconsin
businesses and raises public and media awareness.
“Limiting youth access to tobacco products means fewer teen smokers
and lower healthcare costs for the state,” said Karen Timberlake,
Department of Health Services Secretary. “We’re very pleased with
these results and strongly encourage ongoing support for these efforts.”
For more information on Wisconsin’s comprehensive tobacco control
program: www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/tobacco
For information about online retailer training: www.smokecheck.org
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Last Revised: December 06, 2010 |
