NH sees drop in stores selling tobacco to youth
January 5, 2012
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CONCORD, N.H.—An annual survey shows that fewer New Hampshire merchants are selling tobacco to youth under the age of 18.
New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services officials said Thursday that 7.8 percent of stores were caught selling tobacco products to minors in 2011 -- down from 8.6 percent a year earlier.
The department's Bureau of Drug and Alcohol Services monitors compliance using youth volunteers who are supervised by enforcement officers as they attempt to buy cigarettes and other tobacco products.
The 7.8 percent figure for 2011 is a sharp decline from 14 percent of merchants caught selling to minors in 2009.
Health officials say lower tobacco use by youths decreases the chance they will use drugs and alcohol.
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