Tobacco compliance campaign detailed

The Barron County Sheriff's Department and Barron County Department of Health & Human Services have teamed together under a new federal grant to perform underage tobacco compliance checks, said Public Health Nurse Laura Sauve.

Previously, cigarette compliance checks were performed in the county under a grant to the Stable Families Coalition. Sauve said the goal of the program was compliance, not to trick local retailers into selling cigarettes to those under the age of 18. She helps to recruit and train students who volunteer to work with the Sheriff's department.

"We tell them not to wear excessive make up, to dress age-appropriately. We're not trying to fool anyone," Sauve said, "just check to see if the clerks request the students present an I.D." Students are given a few extra dollars so they can look realistic in purchasing a can of pop or a candy bar, at the same time they request the clerk sell them tobacco products, she added.
If the undercover students are asked to present identification, they are trained to be honest about their age, Sauve said. They respond, "I don't have one" and if refused cigarettes, are told to turn around and leave the store.
Sauve then sends a letter to the business establishment within 2 days, congratulating them for passing the compliance check. The text of the letter goes on to read:

"Hiring, training and supervising responsible staff is essential to keeping your business in compliance with the laws and ordinances regulating the sale of tobacco. The refusal to sell tobacco to our underage buyer reflects your business's commitment to being a responsible member of the tobacco sales industry. Refusing to sell tobacco to underage customers is the right thing to do. Please pass our thanks and congratulations on to the staff working during the time of the check.

The Barron County Health Department, Barron County Safe & Stable Families Coalition and the Barron County Sheriff's Department conducts tobacco sales compliance checks because we care about youth access to tobacco. We will regularly use WI Wins tobacco sales compliance checks as a tool in our efforts to keep Barron County youth safe and healthy. Thanks for doing the right thing and keep up the good work!"

On Tuesday, June 28, all of the area establishments checked refused to sell tobacco to minors.

Stores found to be complying with the law include: Bob & Steve's BP Amoco in Dallas; Pack-ER Inn, Sheri's Shop-n-Save, The Corner Store and Amundson's Service in Prairie Farm; Miller's Sports Bar and Moon Lake Tavern in Clayton; Twin Town Store in Almena; Renegade's in Turtle Lake; Twin Pine Tavern in Cumberland; and Speedy's C-Stop in Barronett.

"Nicotine is one of the most addictive substances known and retailers play an important role in preventing our youth from becoming addicted to the nicotine in tobacco," Sauve said. "Everyone can help keep our children tobacco free by encouraging and thanking retailers for checking IDs and not selling tobacco to youth."

On April 4, a letter was sent to area licensed tobacco outlets from Barron County Health Officer Kaye Thompson. She notified them that Wisconsin uses the "WI WINS" tobacco compliance check program, where trained 15 to 17-year-olds attempt to purchase tobacco products under adult supervision.
The letter also stated, "Your establishment may be one of the businesses that are checked during this process. Last year warnings were given to clerks who sold tobacco to the underage person. This year both owners and clerks are subject to citations issued from local law enforcement if they sell tobacco to the underage person.

"We are asking for your cooperation to ensure that your employees are educated about the laws pertaining to the sale of tobacco products in Wisconsin. At www.SmokeCheck.org your employees can learn the facts about Wisconsin's tobacco sales laws - for free! This simple web training tool makes meeting the state's training requirements easy. When they're finished, your employees will be able to print the necessary, state-approved training certificate. Thank you for your cooperation in keeping tobacco out of the hands of our youth."