The web Browser you are currently using is unsupported, and some features of this site may not work as intended. Please update to a modern browser such as Chrome, Firefox or Edge to experience all features Michigan.gov has to offer.
For the Sixth Year Straight, Michigan Vendors Protect Youth from Dangers of Tobacco
October 15, 2012
LANSING - The Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH), Bureau of Substance Abuse and Addiction Services (BSAAS), is pleased to report that a statewide survey during 2012 indicated that 89.3 percent of retailers did not sell tobacco products to youth under age 18. This is the sixth consecutive year in which Michigan vendors have been in compliance with the federal minimum rate of 80 percent.
"Reducing tobacco use is a top priority for our state as it a major contributor to health issues, and in turn, chronic diseases," said James K. Haveman, Director of the MDCH. "Ensuring that Michigan tobacco vendors are not selling to youth is critical in preventing this addictive behavior and improving the overall wellness of our youth as they become adults."
All states and territories must conduct the survey using a scientific random sample study protocol, approved by the federal Center for Substance Abuse Prevention, and must demonstrate that its tobacco vendor compliance meets or exceeds the federal minimum compliance rate of 80 percent.
During the summer of 2012, BSAAS conducted a statewide Annual Synar Buying Survey, with a sample of 558 from 9,498 establishments, to measure the rate of illegal sales of tobacco to Michigan youth. The survey involves visiting randomly selected outlets that sell tobacco products, either over-the-counter or through vending machines. A youth inspector will enter the outlet, attempt to make a tobacco purchase, and record the results. An adult chaperone drives the youth inspectors and oversees the purchase attempts.
States that fall below the 80 percent minimum compliance rate are subject to a penalty of 40 percent from their federal Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Block Grant funding. For Michigan, this could be more than $23 million.
BSAAS, in collaboration with the MDCH Tobacco Section and statewide coordinating agency partners, provides education and sales compliance enforcement. Deterring sales to youth is critical to reducing addictions, respiratory illnesses, some cancers, and ultimately deaths caused by smoking. If youth access to tobacco products is restricted, fewer will become addicted or harmed by the effects of smoking.
"The business community and statewide partners are to be commended for not selling to minors, and for conducting high quality inspections," said Haveman.
# # #