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Reducing youth access to tobacco products is a powerful tool
for stemming the tobacco epidemic. With stricter access laws, fewer youth are able to buy
cigarettes, become addicted and join a new generation of smokers. In 1997, the Minnesota
Legislature passed a powerful bill to restrict youth access to tobacco. The new law:
requires annual compliance checks of tobacco vendors; sets a fine schedule for retailers
who failed compliance; requires communities to establish a proactive program for youth who
purchase and/or use tobacco and; requires the tobacco industry to disclose certain toxic
ingredients in tobacco products.
Since the law was passed, communities around the state have adopted local
ordinances and programs for youth tobacco violators, such as diversion programs. Youth
Tobacco Diversion Programs redirect youth tobacco violators out of an over-crowded court
system and into a classroom setting. Diversion programs focus less on punishing behavior;
the goal is to critically examine the attitudes, assumptions and realities of tobacco use.
The manual for setting up a diversion program offered here has been distributed to
communities through-out the state and across the country. ANSR will be glad to further
assist you.
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