LEONARDTOWN, MD (November 2, 2015) – In an effort to reduce tobacco sales to minors in St. Mary’s County and across the state, Maryland’s Department of Health and Mental Hygiene is teaming with community partners to perform tobacco retail compliance checks. Tobacco use is the leading preventable cause of death and disease in the U.S., and tobacco retailers play a critical role in keeping tobacco products out of the hands of those too young to make an informed decision about the dangers of tobacco use. Selling tobacco products to anyone under the age of 18 is a violation of federal, state, and local laws, and could lead to the suspension of state tobacco licenses for retailers caught violating the law.
To assist retailers in St. Mary’s County with youth access law compliance, the St. Mary’s County Health Department and the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Department are partnering with Walden Sierra, the Minority Outreach Coalition, and the United Committee for Afro-American Contributions to conduct visits at places of business to educate retailers and their staff on the Maryland Youth Tobacco Access Law.
“Last year’s efforts resulted in a 100% compliance rate among tobacco retailers in St. Mary’s County,” said Angela Cochran, Director, Chronic Disease Prevention and Control Program at the health department. “We appreciate the commitment of our retailers in keeping our young people tobacco-free.”
For questions about the Maryland Youth Access Law, or to request a free compliance training for tobacco retailers and staff, please contact the St. Mary’s County Health Department at 301-475-6707.
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