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Tobacco Control Program
Action Plan Participant:  City of Fall River, Board of Health

The Fall River Board of Health has been awarded a grant by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health's Tobacco Control Program which provides for a full-time coordinator who is responsible for ensuring compliance with the state's tobacco sales ordinances restricting the sales of tobacco products to persons under the age of 18. The law requires all licensed sales outlets to require the presentation of a picture identification, such as a driver's license, for all purchases. The Tobacco Control Program ensures compliance with this law by running periodic "stings" in which youth attempt to purchase tobacco products without identification.

Safety and Substance Abuse

1,B)     A drug-free community, including enforcement of  tobacco regulations

Goal:

The goal of the program is to reduce or eliminate sales of tobacco products to under-age minors throughout the City.

Method(s):

Underage students are employed to attempt to purchase tobacco products without identification. Vendors who make sales are issued warnings and fines and may potentially lose their license for up to thirty days following a hearing by the Board of Health.

Continuous

Reduced tobacco sales to minors

How citizens can  get involved:

By refusing to purchase tobacco products for minors and by notifying store managers and the Tobacco Control Office clerks are observed making illegal sales

Marilyn Edge, Tobacco Control Coordinator, Fall River Department of Health and Human Services, 508-324-2423