Tulsa County cracks down on underage tobacco and vaping sales

The TSET Healthy Living Program in Tulsa County is taking steps to reduce youth access to tobacco and vaping products. The initiative comes in response to community concerns about underage use and nicotine addiction. Officials aim to educate retailers and enforce existing laws. Nearly nine in ten US smokers tried their first cigarette before turning 18. In Oklahoma, 9.1% of high school students smoke, while 27.8% use vapes. Early use often leads to long-term nicotine addiction.

Federal and state laws already ban tobacco and vape sales to anyone under 21. To reinforce this, the TSET program will conduct store visits with youth volunteers. An underage person will attempt to buy tobacco, but with no intention to complete a purchase. The goal is to raise awareness, not to entrap retailers.

The program is working alongside law enforcement and community partners. Retailers who refuse underage sales can face fines. Those who comply are praised as local heroes for safeguarding young people. The visits aim to curb youth tobacco use and support healthier communities. Preventing underage access is one of several strategies to improve wellness in Tulsa County. The program will continue collaborating with retailers and authorities to enforce the law.