The village of West City has been chosen by the Illinois Liquor Control Commission to receive a grant in the amount of $1,100 to establish a comprehensive educational and enforcement program addressing minimum-age tobacco laws.
“We are pleased to receive this grant to enhance our efforts to reduce youth access to tobacco products. The health of the children in our community is very important,” Chief of Police Steve Mumbower said.
The commission, the state’s lead agency in developing strategies to reduce the illegal sale of tobacco products to minors, annually awards $1 million in grants to communities that are willing to implement its Tobacco Enforcement Program.
Participating communities are required to provide retail education to their retailers prior to implementing the enforcement component.
All tobacco retailers will receive the commission’s Tobacco Retailer Kit, which includes a review of state minimum-age tobacco laws, required signage and training guides for their personnel.
In addition, each tobacco retailer will receive three compliance checks.
Tobacco retailers within the entire program currently average over 90-percent compliance, and Illinois is ranked seventh nationwide in Synar tobacco retailer compliance rates.
Nov 2, 2009
A call to arms for tobacco store owners
Let us consider the case of a cigar store owner. No food is served. No alcohol is available. The only products are cigars, tobacco products and accessories. Because no alcohol is served, it doesn't qualify for status as "Specialty Tobacco Bar."
Let us also assume that this establishment is owned by a retiree, the sole employee. He started this store because of his love of cigars. He has become something of an expert and customers often seek out his advice, much in the way a wine enthusiast may seek the opinion of a sommelier.
Under the expanded ban he will not be allowed to sample a new cigar in his own store in order to provide advice for his customers.
Who is being harmed and needs to be protected by the expanded ban? Does he not have the right to run his business to the best of his ability?
I would urge all tobacco store owners to call their City-County Council member and urge him or her to vote against Proposal 371.
Let us also assume that this establishment is owned by a retiree, the sole employee. He started this store because of his love of cigars. He has become something of an expert and customers often seek out his advice, much in the way a wine enthusiast may seek the opinion of a sommelier.
Under the expanded ban he will not be allowed to sample a new cigar in his own store in order to provide advice for his customers.
Who is being harmed and needs to be protected by the expanded ban? Does he not have the right to run his business to the best of his ability?
I would urge all tobacco store owners to call their City-County Council member and urge him or her to vote against Proposal 371.
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