Ohio tobacco sales to minors down - 21 News Now, More Local News for Youngstown, Ohio -

Ohio tobacco sales to minors down

Updated:

DAYTON, Ohio (AP) - A new federal report shows that the numbers of Ohio retailers caught selling tobacco to underage customers declined to the lowest level since tracking began.

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration says 9.9% of Ohio retailers violated tobacco sales laws in fiscal year 2010. That's down from 13.5% in 2009 and 15.9% in 2008. The agency has been tracking illegal sales for 15 years.

The Dayton Daily News reports that increased enforcement with state compliance checks and increased education efforts are credited for the decline.

Nationally, some 8.5% of retailers were caught selling tobacco to minors.

Health advocates say the vast majority of smokers begin the addictive habit as teens.

Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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