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Law Enforcement
The Texas Model
The ultimate goal of the enforcement program is reducing minors’ access to tobacco. Enforcement of our state’s cigarette, e-cigarette and tobacco control laws sends a message to the public that community leaders put a high priority on these policies.
Texas takes a multi-pronged approach to enforcing tobacco laws:
- Providing compliance education to retailers and school-aged youth
- Prosecuting retail sales to minors of cigarettes, e-cigarettes and other tobacco products
- Citing minors in possession of cigarettes, e-cigarettes and other tobacco products
Numerous studies* have shown that the combination of retailer education and active, graduated enforcement of cigarette, e-cigarette and tobacco access laws is most effective in reducing illegal sales to minors.
Compliance and Deterrence
The Comptroller’s office and our partnering agencies perform inspections for signage and employee compliance concerning the sale, possession and use of cigarettes, e-cigarettes and tobacco products.
*Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention