The Oklahoma Alcoholic Beverage Laws Enforcement (ABLE) Commission is intensifying its efforts to combat underage tobacco and vape sales, thanks to new funding from the Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust (TSET). The TSET Board of Directors has approved over $50,000 to support the ABLE Commission’s initiatives aimed at preventing youth access to these harmful products. This funding will be used for compliance checks, educational programs, and enhancing the state’s vapor product registry. The goal is to reduce the alarming rates of tobacco and vape use among Oklahoma’s youth.
Enhanced Compliance Checks and Law Enforcement Training
The ABLE Commission plans to use the new TSET funding to conduct more frequent compliance checks across the state. These checks are designed to ensure that retailers are not selling tobacco and vape products to individuals under the age of 21. The funding will enable the commission to perform an additional 100 compliance checks, including those involving home delivery services like DoorDash and Postmates. This is crucial as a significant percentage of minors report obtaining these products through such services.
In addition to compliance checks, the ABLE Commission will also focus on training law enforcement officers. These regional training sessions will educate officers on Oklahoma’s tobacco laws and the proper procedures for conducting compliance inspections. By equipping law enforcement with the necessary knowledge and skills, the commission aims to create a more robust enforcement framework to deter underage sales.
Educational Programs for Youth and Parents
A significant portion of the TSET funding will be allocated to educational programs targeting both youth and their parents. The ABLE Commission recognizes the importance of early intervention in preventing tobacco and vape use among minors. These programs will be implemented in middle schools across the state, providing students with information about the dangers and long-term consequences of using tobacco and vape products.
Parents will also be included in these educational efforts. The commission plans to roll out new initiatives to inform parents about the risks associated with vaping and how to talk to their children about avoiding these products. By involving both students and their families, the ABLE Commission hopes to create a comprehensive approach to reducing youth tobacco and vape use.
Enhancing the Vapor Product Registry
The final component of the ABLE Commission’s plan involves updating the Oklahoma Vapor Product Registry. This registry is a critical tool for tracking and regulating the sale of vapor products within the state. The new funding will be used to make the registry more user-friendly and accurate, ensuring that all vapor products sold in Oklahoma are properly documented and monitored.
Improving the registry will help the ABLE Commission identify and address any gaps in the current regulatory framework. It will also facilitate better communication and coordination between the commission, retailers, and law enforcement agencies. By enhancing the registry, the commission aims to create a more transparent and effective system for regulating vapor products and preventing underage sales.
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