Underage tobacco sales in Va. see 10-year decline
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Associated Press
Published: June 4, 2008
RICHMOND, Va. (AP) — A federal report shows illegal sales of tobacco products to minors have declined dramatically in Virginia from 1997 to 2007.
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration says the percentage of retailers that sold tobacco products to underage buyers in various compliance checks dropped from more than 40 percent in 1997 to about 10 percent in 2007.
The Virginia numbers closely mirror those nationally, as states have adopted more enforcement efforts and awareness campaigns.
The state rates are measured through checks conducted by the Virginia Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control, using undercover agents who attempt to purchase tobacco products at stores.
State officials say a federal program started in 1997 has been a success but noted that youth tobacco use remains a serious public health problem.
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