City of Lincoln receives a grant to reduce youth access to tobacco

[August 28, 2013]  The city of Lincoln has been chosen by the Illinois Liquor Control Commission to receive a $1,700 grant to continue a comprehensive educational and enforcement program addressing minimum-age tobacco laws.

"We are pleased to receive this grant to enhance our efforts to reduce youth access to tobacco products. The health of the children in our community is very important," said Deputy Chief Michael Geriets.

The Illinois Liquor Control Commission, the state's lead agency in developing strategies to reduce the illegal sale of tobacco products to minors, annually awards $1 million in grants to communities that implement its Tobacco Enforcement Program. Participating communities provide education to their retailers in addition to the enforcement component of compliance checks.

All tobacco retailers will receive the commission's Tobacco Retailer Kit, which includes a review of state minimum-age tobacco laws, required signage and training guides for their personnel. In addition, each tobacco retailer will receive three compliance checks.

Tobacco retailers within the entire program currently average over 90 percent compliance, and Illinois is ranked seventh nationwide in Synar tobacco retailer compliance rates. The most recent tobacco compliance check conducted in Lincoln resulted in 100 percent compliance from its retailers.

For additional information, call the Lincoln Police Department at 732-2151.

[Text from file received from the Lincoln Police Department]