 | The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA |
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| The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA |
Elizabeth Emerson, MA and Bob Curry, MA. Tobacco Education Program, Marin County Health and Human Services, P.O. Box 5595, Novato, CA 94948
This case study details how a local tobacco control program helped local jurisdictions take reponsibility for enforcing local ordinances and state tobacco access laws. In the late nineties, only one of eleven communities in the county was enforcing sales to minor's laws. A survey of the ten other communities indicated that none had ever conducted enforcement operations or issued a citation for a single violation. A youth purchase survey conducted by a youth group revealed a 46.8% sales to minors rate. Interviews with local law enforcement agencies indicated this issue was a low priority for them, given their other problems. To address this barrier, the program coordinator hosted local "Legislators Breakfast Meetings," inviting all local mayors, city council members and their police chiefs (representing all local jurisidictions) and the District Attorney. These meetings featured speakers known for their committment towards enforcement and prosecution of unethical retailers. The local coalition also pushed for MSA funds, resulting in mini-grants for local law enforcement operations and officer training. Two years later, today the District Attorney's office is in full support, all eleven jurisidictions are actively enforcing sales to minors laws, and the sales rate was successfully reduced from 46.8% to 26.1% county-wide.
Learning Objectives:
Keywords: Tobacco Legislation, Tobacco Policy
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: Government employee