MADISON, WI (WTAQ-WRN) – An effort discouraging the sale of tobacco and vape products to those under the age of 21 has been initiated by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services.
The Tobacco 21 public education campaign is under way after a recent statewide survey shows the retailer violation rate for underage sale of tobacco and vape products last year was 11.9%. That’s double the pre-pandemic rate of 5.5%.
The state health agency says around 7,900 Wisconsin residents die from preventable tobacco-related diseases annually, with Wisconsin DHS Deputy Secretary Deb Standridge pointing out that “Young people can become addicted before they are old enough to understand the risks” of tobacco and vape products.
