LANSING, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) Office of Recovery Oriented Systems of Care has announced that 89.5% of retailers refused to sell tobacco to minors under age 18 during statewide inspections.
According to an official press release, MDHHS conducted random unannounced inspections statewide to measure the rate of illegal sales of tobacco to Michigan youth over the summer. 319 of 356 retailers visited refused to sell tobacco to a minor.
“Deterring tobacco sales to youth is critical to reducing the negative health effects and deaths caused by smoking and tobacco use,” said Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, chief medical executive and chief deputy for health for MDHHS. “We commend the business community for doing their part to protect Michigan youth from the dangers of smoking and thank our partners for conducting high quality inspections.
The press release notes that the Alcohol, Drug Abuse and Mental Health Administration Reorganization Act requires all states and territories to conduct inspections using a scientific random sample study protocol approved by the federal Center for Substance Abuse Prevention.
This includes youth inspectors visiting retailers, attempting to make tobacco purchases and recording the results. Adult chaperones drive the youth inspectors and oversee the purchase attempts.
Businesses that want to educate staff, avoid fines and safeguard public health can access a free online presentation and certification test at Improvingmipractices.org.
