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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.

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]

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