CSCS conducts tobacco law enforcement training seminars to ensure that enforcement activities are implemented according to best practices. Training includes information regarding proper administration of contract requirements, including performance standards and reporting.

Technical Assistance

Technical assistance is provided via ongoing telephone, email, and on-site assistance as needed or requested.

Types of Technical Assistance:

• Interpretation of tobacco law in conducting compliance inspections and controlled buys
• Reporting Requirements
• Appropriate use of funds
• Information and referral to other agencies involved in tobacco prevention
• Event, activity, and program enhancement information

Components of a Model Enforcement Program

Reducing minor’s access is the ultimate goal of applying the elements of a model enforcement program. Enforcement of our state’s tobacco control laws sends a message to the public that community leaders believe these policies are important.

1. Retailer Education
   Providing comprehensive merchant education, including information on health effects, before enforcement activity begins helps build support among retailers for enforcing sales restrictions and can deter retailer violations.
2. Compliance Inspections
   After retailers have been educated on how to comply with tobacco access law, compliance inspections are necessary. Compliance inspections reinforce the importance of compliance. They can also be an opportunity for retailers to get on-site assistance if they are not in compliance.
3. Controlled Buys/Stings
   After retailers have been educated on compliance with the tobacco laws and they have received on-site assistance, the next step is to test for compliance. Conducting controlled buys using a minor decoy will identify retailers who refuse to obey the law and continue to sell cigarettes and/or tobacco products to minors.
4. Follow Up on Violators and Non-Violators
   Following up on violators will emphasize the importance and impact of compliance through fines and penalties. Following up on non-violators will establish and keep good rapport with the retailers and will promote voluntary compliance.
5. Enforcement of Minor in Possession (MIP)
   Educating and enforcing retailers’ compliance with tobacco law may keep youth from purchasing tobacco products. However, young people will turn to social sources (e.g. older friends and family members) of tobacco products as commercial sources are reduced. Assessing the fines and penalties associated with a Minor in Possession infraction may deter youth from smoking in the future.
6. Youth & Community Education
   Educating youth about tobacco laws and consequences will help youth make better choices when is comes to tobacco use. Parents and community members also play an important role in preventing or reducing youth access to tobacco, therefore, educating parents and the community about the tobacco laws and the harmful effects of tobacco use is important to preventing youth tobacco use.

Combining education and enforcement of tobacco products law will provide your community with a comprehensive tobacco control effort.