OSDH Launches a New Campaign Aimed to Provide Education About Tobacco Sales in the State

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Tobacco Control program at the Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH) is rolling out a tobacco retailer education guide, a part of a new Validate Campaign.

In Oklahoma, tobacco is one of the main causes of disease and death. Data show in the state nearly nine out of 10 cigarette smokers tried smoking by the age of 18.

Nationally, each day more than 3,200 kids ages 18 years and younger smoke their first cigarette.

The four main goals of the educational materials provided to retailers are:

• Provide a guide for educating employees on how to avoid illegal tobacco sales to underage individuals.
• Provide an OSDH, ABLE-approved documented training program and an employee agreement form.
• Provide a stand-alone training program or add to an existing retail tobacco training program.
• Provide resources and Oklahoma contacts.

“We want tobacco retailers to have tools at their fingertips to help them better understand and comply with Oklahoma’s tobacco laws to avoid potential penalties,” said Captain Erik Smoot, Law Enforcement with the ABLE Commission.  

Oklahoma law states in Title 63 that it is unlawful for any person to sell, give or furnish in any manner any tobacco product or vapor product to another person who is under 21 years of age.

“If retailers and their employees will utilize this guide to avoid illegal sales of tobacco to underage youth, they will help reduce the number of kids who may become addicted to tobacco which leads to a healthier Oklahoma,” said Elizabeth Chery, OSDH’s Tobacco Use and Prevention Manager.

To see the guide and learn more about the campaign visit, Validate OK.

The Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH) protects and improves public health through its system of local health services and strategies focused on preventing disease. OSDH provides technical support and guidance to 68 county health departments in Oklahoma, as well as guidance and consultation to the two independent city-county health departments in Oklahoma City and Tulsa. Learn more at Oklahoma.gov/health.

###