Categories
· Teen Smoking/Youth
USA, by State
· West Virginia
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If state's rates go above 20 percent, state could lose major funds
Jump to full article: Charleston (WV) Daily Mail, 2009-06-24
Author: by Michelle Saxton Daily Mail Capitol Reporter
Intro: -Rates of tobacco sales to underage customers have been creeping up over the past five years, and state health officials worry that West Virginia could lose millions in federal funding if that trend continues.
"No tobacco is supposed to be sold to kids," said Bruce Adkins, director of West Virginia's Division of Tobacco Prevention. "We know, and West Virginia is an example. We have a fairly high rate of illegal sales to youth."
Random inspections of retailers show that 17.9 percent sold tobacco to minors last year, according to the Fiscal Year 2009 Annual Synar Report for West Virginia. The study is named for former Oklahoma Congressman Michael Synar and federal legislation to ban sales of tobacco products to people younger than 18.
The Fiscal Year 2009 West Virginia data reflected inspections at 458 outlets, of which 82 were found in violation, the study showed.
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