Tobacco Compliance Program
The Bethlehem Health Bureau obtained a grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Health which sponsors tobacco control plans throughout Northampton County. Colonial Regional Police Department has partnered with the Bethlehem Health Bureau as sub-contractors to conduct the compliance checks. The program is run through the fiscal year of July thru July. Colonial Regional Police Department receives $46.25 per each business checked for compliance. These funds are for the officer’s salary and any purchases made.A volunteer youth, between the ages of 15 and 17 years, with parental permission, attempt to purchase cigarettes at local tobacco retailers. The youth makes no attempts at hiding their age, if any questions are asked the youth is to answer truthfully (i.e. Are the cigarettes for you? How old are you?). If the clerk refuses to sell to the youth, the youth leaves without trying to persuade the sale. If tobacco is bought, the officer working with the youth cites the employee on the spot. If the store denies the youth the purchase of the cigarettes, the store receives a letter of commendation for compliance with the law.
Colonial Regional Police Department conducted three (3) Tobacco Compliance Checks in 2007:
May, 2007 - A total of 26 retail establishments were checked for compliance with Youth Access Laws. Three violations of the Summary Offense - Sale of Tobacco to a Minor Under the Age of 18 were encountered:
o
CVS – Hanover Townshipo
Ahart’s Market – Bath Borougho
Shell Gas Station – Hanover TownshipJune, 2007 - A total of 26 retail establishments were checked for compliance with Youth Access Laws. No violations were encountered.
September, 2007 - A total of 26 retail establishments were checked for compliance with Youth Access Laws. Six (6) violations of the Summary Offense - Sale of Tobacco to a Minor Under the Age of 18 were encountered:
o
Bath Exxon – Bath Borougho
Thirst Quenchers – Bath Borougho
Hess Express – Hanover Townshipo
Rite Aid – Hanover Townshipo
D/R Beverage – Lower Nazareth Townshipo
TopStar Exxon – Lower Nazareth Township
A total of 78 retail stores were checked for the selling of tobacco to minors during the three (3) sweeps. 24 man hours were used in total, along with the volunteered time of two (2) teenagers for all three days. The grant for this program will run through June 2008. A total of $3,607.50 was received to fully fund the program’s expenses.
The goal of the Pennsylvania Department of Health by conducting these compliance checks is zero tolerance for selling tobacco to minors:"If you sell, you will be fined."
