[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 94 (Wednesday, July 15, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1303]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      IN PRAISE OF INGHAM COUNTY'S EFFORTS TO REDUCE TEEN SMOKING

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                          HON. DEBBIE STABENOW

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 15, 1998

  Ms. STABENOW. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend the outstanding 
work of the Ingham County Board of Commissioners and the Ingham County 
Health Department in restricting the sale of tobacco to minors. The 
Ingham County Board of Commissioners passed an ordinance effective 
January 1, 1993 requiring that tobacco could only be sold through 
establishments licensed by the county. For violations, the Health 
Department can issue citations and for repeated violations have the 
license to sell tobacco revoked.
  These enforcement provisions are similar to many used for enforcing 
liquor laws in communities which have been very effective in curbing 
the sale of liquor to minors. The possibility of losing a license to 
sell liquor or tobacco for a violation of law has proven to have a 
significant impact on the business community's self monitoring 
activities.
  In 1992, 78% of minors who attempted to purchase cigarettes in Ingham 
County were successfully able to make a purchase. In other words, only 
22% of all minors were refused the sale. Since the ordinance was 
instituted in the county in 1993, that number has declined 
dramatically. In a recent investigation conducted in Ingham county, 85% 
of all minors who attempted to purchase cigarettes were denied the 
sale. These are impressive statistics that I would like to see repeated 
across the nation.
  The war against teen smoking will only be successful if it is fought 
on many fronts. Tough, comprehensive laws must be passed at the federal 
level. And, we must work in partnership with states and local 
governments if we are to be successful. I encourage state and local 
governments across our country to join the fight and follow the example 
set by Ingham County by instituting laws in their communities that 
prevent minors from purchasing cigarettes. I commend the efforts of the 
Ingham County Board of Commissioners and the Ingham County Health 
Department for making a bold effort to improve the health and welfare 
of our community's youngest citizens.

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