If quitting smoking is a New Year’s Resolution for you going into 2022, or if you have a young person trying to avoid the pressure to start, there is a group making sure all laws are being followed at the store level.
Jeanne Britton’s work with the Osceola County Point of Sale Task Force Osceola County Health Department comes from an annual state grant. The Task Force, in collaboration with the Osceola County Tobacco Free Partnership, is fighting to prevent initiation of tobacco/ecigarette use among youth and young adults in Osceola County.
Britton said the majority of the Point of Sale Task Force consist of Osceola youth and young adults who are determined to make a change in their community.
“These are members of SWAT (Students Working Against Tobacco, a youth initiative) in high school, or college-age members who graduated,” she said.
“They are doing great work, making sure state and federal laws regarding the sale of tobacco are being followed, helping prevent initiation of tobacco and e-cigarette use among youth and young adults here in our community.”
According to Tobacco Free Florida, a statewide tobacco use-cessation advocacy group, point of sale is the tobacco industry’s main marketing method. By marketing and promoting product in retail environments like gas stations and convenience stores, the tobacco industry manipulates retail environments to increase sales and tobacco use, often targeting vulnerable younger populations.
Additionally, the “power wall” behind the counter of convenience stores, attracts smokers and nonsmokers with colors and flavors to promote impulse purchases.
“This overt display makes it more difficult for smokers to quit and more likely that youth and adults start smoking,” Britton said.
The Task Force visits various participating tobacco retail stores throughout Osceola County ensuring compliance with Assurance of Voluntary Compliance (AVC) signed with the State of Florida, is met. The student-led Task Force receives training, goes out into the field, and collects data about Osceola County retailers selling tobacco. The Task Force is dedicated to educating the Osceola Community to create knowledge and awareness of the tobacco industry tactics used at the point of sale.
“We don’t have a problem with those selling tobacco. We just want to make sure they comply with the rules,” said Britton, who noted Tobacco Free Florida’s website (tobaccofreeflorida. com/ready-to-quit-smoking/) has resources for quit, including free nicotine patches for some people who qualify.
For information on the high school program designed to de-glamorize tobacco use, go to www. swatflorida.com.
