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Illinois tobacco retailer compliance exceeds federal targets
for sixth year
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[OCT. 29, 2003]
CHICAGO
-- The Illinois Liquor Control Commission, the state's lead agency
in developing strategies for reducing the availability and delivery
of tobacco products to minors, announces that statewide tobacco
retailers exceeded the required 80 percent compliance rate for the
sixth straight year. Even though the rate is positive, during the
last two years a negative trend in compliance has occurred, proving
there is still a need to continue the efforts to reduce youth access
to tobacco.
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The commission's annual survey, one of
the conditions required by federal law to measure the state's
progress in reducing illegal underage tobacco sales, consists of
random, unannounced inspections of tobacco retailers. Underage
youths participate. Failure to achieve the required rate and comply
with other regulations can result in a reduction of the state's
Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Block Grant funding. In
Illinois, this represents a potential $27 million loss.
"Tobacco retailers continue to do an
excellent job of training their staff about minimum-age tobacco
laws," said Jeff Barr, ILCC tobacco program manager. "But our
ultimate goal is for all kids to be tobacco-free. That means that
every tobacco retailer must continue to do their part to comply with
minimum-age tobacco laws."
The commission believes that local
government activities, one-on-one retail education programs, the
commission's "Kids Can't Buy 'Em Here" Campaign and Tobacco
Enforcement Program have significantly contributed to reducing
illegal underage tobacco sales in Illinois.
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"Even though Illinois' compliance rate
exceeds the required 80 percent, we are committed to working with
state and local officials to ensure long-term strategies continue to
increase retailer compliance to minimum-age tobacco laws," said
Barr.
See the chart
below for Illinois' previous annual survey results.
The Illinois Liquor Control Commission
is the state regulatory agency responsible for ensuring that liquor
licensees comply with the provisions of the Liquor Control Act. The
commission provides industry education programs focusing on
enforcement practices, Illinois liquor control laws, reducing
illegal sales of alcoholic beverages to minors, and responsible
serving and selling practices. The commission is also designated as
the lead agency in developing a strategy for reducing the
availability and delivery of tobacco products to minors.
For
additional information call (312) 814-2206; write to the commission
at 100 W. Randolph St., Suite 5-300, Chicago, IL 60601; or visit
www.state.il.us/lcc.
[Illinois
Liquor Control Commission
news release] |
