OKLAHOMA CITY – The Board of Directors of the Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust (TSET) approved $57,288 in funding for the Oklahoma Alcoholic Beverage Laws Enforcement (ABLE) Commission to boost efforts to prevent people under 21 from accessing tobacco and vape products.
“The ABLE Commission is excited to partner with TSET, especially in reducing youth access to tobacco and nicotine products,” ABLE Commission Executive Director Brandon Clabes stated. “Our mission is public safety and if we can deter even one child from experimenting or becoming addicted to tobacco and vaping products then we are making a positive difference.”
The ABLE Commission’s project will focus on:
• Compliance Checks: Conducting checks to ensure vape and tobacco suppliers are following the law, especially with new products.
• Law Enforcement Training: Hosting regional trainings for law enforcement officers on Oklahoma’s tobacco laws and how to conduct compliance inspections.
• Student Education: Offering educational programs in middle schools to teach students about the dangers and consequences of using tobacco and vape products.
• Vapor Product Registry Enhancement: Improve the state-mandated vapor product registry to make it easier to use and more accurate.
Oklahoma faces a significant challenge with underage tobacco and vape product use.
“Most tobacco users start before they turn 18,” said TSET Executive Director Julie Bisbee. “TSET is supporting the ABLE Commission’s prevention program to keep these products away from our youth. Programs like this will help make Oklahoma’s communities and schools safer and healthier.”
TSET is committed to improving the health of Oklahomans by preventing and reducing tobacco use, promoting physical activity and increasing access to healthy foods. By partnering with organizations like the ABLE Commission, TSET is working to protect and improve public health. Keeping tobacco and vapor products out of the hands of young people will help create a healthier future for all of Oklahoma.
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The Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust (TSET) serves as a partner and bridge builder for organizations shaping a healthier future for all Oklahomans. TSET provides leadership at the intersections of health by working with local coalitions and initiatives across the state, cultivating innovative and life-changing research and working across public and private sectors to develop, support, implement and evaluate creative strategies to take advantage of emerging opportunities to improve the public’s health. To learn more, go to Oklahoma.gov/TSET.
TSET – Better Lives Through Better Health