Wisconsin's share of underage tobacco and e-cigarette sales drops to 11.8%

Key points:

1.The rate of tobacco and e-cigarette sales to minors in Wisconsin has decreased.

2.Despite a decrease in sales, the violation rate still needs improvement.

3.The importance of preventing adolescents from early exposure to tobacco and nicotine products.

According to a recent report released by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS), the proportion of tobacco and e-cigarette retailers in the state selling to minors has decreased in 2024. Annual data shows that this proportion has decreased from 13.6% in 2023 to 11.8% in 2024.

These results come from the state's official Synar survey, which is an annual statewide assessment of the rate of illegal sales to minors. In 2019, this rate was 5.5%, and reached its highest point in 2021 with a rate of 14.1%.

State health official and director of the public health department, Paula Tran, stated, "We are pleased to see a decrease in the overall percentage of tobacco and e-cigarette products being sold to minors, but the rate is still too high. We know that over 80% of adult smokers started smoking before the age of 18, with approximately 95% starting before the age of 21." She emphasized the importance of continuing efforts to prevent young people from starting to use commercial tobacco and nicotine products, as it is crucial for protecting their current and future health.

Data from 2024 shows that tobacco and vaporizer shops have the highest rate of sales to minors. These shops sold to underage consumers at a rate of 30%, higher than gas stations (11.8%) and other types of retail stores (10.8%). The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) Tobacco Prevention and Control Program recently found that an increasing number of local zoning ordinances are restricting the number and location of these shops.

We are seeing more and more Wisconsin communities taking proactive steps to protect young people in their communities," said Vicki Huntington, manager of the Business Tobacco Prevention and Control Program Department at the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS). "These communities are reducing avenues for youth to access commercial tobacco products by limiting the number of tobacco retailers near schools, playgrounds, and other places where young people gather.

The 2024 Synar survey also includes the following data:

·The overall sales proportion of male minors is 14.4%, while the overall sales proportion of female minors is 9.8%. 

·The most commonly sold item to male minors is e-cigarettes (accounting for 17.9% of total sales). The most commonly sold item to female minors is small cigars (accounting for 15.7% of total sales).

These data tell us that public and retailer awareness is crucial, and local actions have a significant impact. The data also highlight areas we can focus on to help prevent young people from accessing these harmful products, such as assisting specific retailers in reducing sales to minors," said Vicki Huntington, manager of the Commercial Tobacco Prevention and Control Program at the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS). "Furthermore, placing flavored little cigars (small, narrow cigars) behind the counter like other tobacco, e-cigarette, and pouch products will have a very positive impact on the health of Wisconsin youth.