Federal law mandates that by 2002, states register a violation rate below 20 percent regarding businesses selling tobacco products to minors. If the mandates were in place a year ago, Rhode Island would have found itself in trouble, as 21.8 percent of vendors were found to be breaking the law.
But this year, the rate is 12.2 percent – having declined for the third straight year.
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There was a time years ago when Rhode Island registered an embarrassing 50 percent non-compliance rate.
Why is such compliance so important?
First and foremost, for the health of our children. The health dangers of smoking are no longer arguable. And studies clearly show that young people who smoke are far more likely to have early signs of heart disease, stroke and an increased risk of lung cancer.
Being in federal compliance also ensures that Rhode Island will have a place at the table when certain federal grants related to health care are distributed. Such grants fund important smoking cessation programs – programs not so likely to find funding from the state staring at an impending budget crisis.
The vast majority of vendors in Rhode Island are clearly doing the right thing. Now it’s time for the remaining 12.2 percent to follow their lead – and obey the law.
