"We are very serious about preventing minors from obtaining tobacco," said Dr. Alonzo Plough, Director of Public Health. "If we can keep our children from tobacco addiction before age 18, they likely will never start using it."

Officer Richard Wells said "zero tolerance" is the Redmond Police Department’s policy on access to tobacco by minors.

During the "sting," a total of 19 "compliance checks" were conducted, resulting in 6 illegal sales of tobacco to minors. This is a 68% compliance rate with the law (or a 32% illegal sale rate) and marks a dramatic downturn from a 95% compliance rate for Redmond found in all of 1998. Redmond merchants (and other merchants around King County) can expect to be visited by the Public Health Department throughout the year in an effort to assure that retailers are not supplying minors with tobacco.

Violations for this offense can be stiff. Retailers caught selling tobacco to minors can expect to receive a fine of up to $1000 and/or a suspension of their cigarette license. In addition to these penalties, they receive an educational packet and notification to expect a follow-up visit from the Washington State Liquor Control Board.

Retailers found not to sell tobacco to minors during the "sting" are presented with a congratulatory certificate and an educational packet.

During 1999 "stings" in the neighboring city of Bellevue, a total of 124 merchants have been checked, finding 18 illegal sales of tobacco to minors. This is an 85% compliance rate (15% illegal sale rate). Although Bellevue's compliance rate was higher than that of Redmond, it has also dropped from a rate of 92% last year.

The Public Health Department's Tobacco Prevention Program serves King County residents, retailers, and King County's nineteen school districts. Program activities include assisting in the enforcement and education of tobacco laws and increasing the awareness of the community, parents, and students of the hazards of tobacco products. Public health educators are available for presentations and technical assistance. Smoking Diversion Classes are also available for students in King County who smoke.

Tobacco prevention staff encourage youth who are concerned about tobacco use among their peers to join the Tobacco Prevention Patrol. This program regularly trains youth 14-16 years of age about the law and how to conduct compliance checks; all activities are performed with adult supervision.

Youth between ages 14-16 years and who are interested in becoming part of the youth tobacco solution may contact Greg Hewett, of the PHSKC Tobacco Prevention Program to request more information. Phone: (206) 296-7613.

If anyone witnesses a merchant selling tobacco to a minor, please contact the Tobacco Prevention Program at (206) 296-7613 to file a confidential complaint. Minors who are addicted to smoking may also call for more information about how to quit smoking.