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Large Number Of Retailers Continue To Sell Tobacco Products To Minors

December 26th, 2014 by WCBC Radio

Maryland State health officials say a large number of retailers continue to sell cigarettes and other tobacco products to those under 18, even though it violates state and federal laws.  WBAL reports the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene conducted random inspections at nearly 750 establishments across the state from May through September of this year. The study found nearly one-third of establishments (31.9-percent) had sold tobacco products to someone under 18. Similar inspections conducted from October, 2012 through September, 2013 found nearly one-quarter of establishments (24.1-percent) had sold Tobacco products to minors. The Department's surveys also found that more than one-quarter of Maryland teens who admitted to smoking say they bought their cigarettes from a neighborhood convenience store or gas station.  Dr. Joshua Sharfstein, Secretary of the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, says the results show the penalties for selling tobacco to minors should be increase to include the suspension of a retailer's license to sell tobacco…





 

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