PONCA CITY – Kay County TSET Healthy Living Programs and Kay County OSU Community Wellness recently partnered with the Ponca City Police Department to visit stores in Ponca City to ensure store employees were not selling tobacco, e-cigarette or alcohol products to minors.
According to federal and state law, the legal age for purchasing tobacco and alcohol products is 21. During a recent compliance check, eight of eight tobacco retailers visited in Ponca City complied with the law by refusing to sell tobacco products to underage volunteer “customers.” Seven of nine alcohol retailers visited in Ponca City complied with the law by refusing to sell alcohol products to underage volunteer “customers.”
This means that 100% of stores visited between June 1, 2024 and June 30, 2024 will be compliant with respect to tobacco products, and approximately 78% of stores visited will be compliant with respect to alcohol products.
“That’s a great thing,” said Carrie Winslett, lead coordinator for the Kay County TSET Healthy Living Program, which serves Kay County. “Store owners and employees who check identification and refuse to sell tobacco or vaping products to anyone under the age of 21 are not only following the law, they are protecting the health and well-being of young people.”
“Two of nine local liquor stores were selling alcohol to minors,” said Marcy Antonio, Kay County Alcohol Prevention Coordinator for OSU Community Wellness. “These tests are part of our ongoing efforts to curb underage drinking and ensure the safety of our community. Public awareness of these violations is vital because it underscores the importance of following the laws put in place to protect our youth.”
Ponca City has ordinances that comply with federal and state laws prohibiting the sale of tobacco and alcohol to anyone under the age of 21, and local police have the authority to conduct compliance checks. Additional compliance checks will be conducted periodically over the coming months.
Carrie Winslett and Marcy Antonio expressed their appreciation to the Ponca City Police Department for conducting the compliance checks. Reducing the sale of tobacco and alcohol to minors is one of the primary goals of the Kay County Healthy Living Coalition, and the Kay County TSET Healthy Living Program and OSU Community Wellness Program work in conjunction with other local programs to reduce cancer, cardiovascular disease and premature mortality in the community caused by substance abuse.
For more information about the Kay County TSET Healthy Living Program and its community-based activities and objectives, please call 580-765-2476 or email Carrie Winslett at 580-765-2476. [email protected] Or Ali Morris [email protected]
TSET (Tobacco Settlement Fund Trust) is currently awarding 28 Healthy Living Program grants in 30 counties across Oklahoma. Community-based grantees are working to prevent and reduce tobacco use and obesity rates through data-driven approaches that include strategic actions and partnerships with local residents and organizations.
The Kay County Healthy Living Coalition is a community-based coalition of local stakeholders working together to achieve and share community health and prevent alcohol, stimulant and marijuana misuse using the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA) Strategic Prevention Framework. To get involved and learn more, visit Kay County Healthy Living Coalition on Facebook or email Marcy Antonio, Kay County Alcohol Prevention Coordinator at OSU Community Wellness. [email protected]
Enhance your business’ reputation and your community’s safety by enrolling in Responsible Beverage Service and Sales (RBSS) training. This free, comprehensive training will equip your staff with the knowledge and skills to ensure compliance with alcohol laws. To invest in your team, demonstrate your commitment to responsible service, and protect both your customers and your establishment, visit www.rocmnd.org/rbss-training.
