Wisconsin DHS launches campaign to crack down on underage tobacco sales

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Published: Feb. 8, 2023 at 8:44 PM CST
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MADISON, Wis. (WMTV) - The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) launched a public education campaign emphasizing 21 as the minimum age to buy tobacco and vape products.

The campaign came after a recent statewide assessment by Synar Surveys that uncovered the retailer violation rate for underage sale of tobacco products, including e-cigarettes and vapes. The 2022 violation rate was 11.9%, nearly double the pre-pandemic rate of 5.5%, according to DHS.

Wisconsin DHS Deputy Secretary Deb Standridge said that around 7,900 Wisconsin residents die from preventable tobacco-related diseases annually.

“Young people can become addicted before they are old enough to understand the risks,” Standridge said. “Following the Tobacco 21 law can save lives.”

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