Proposed Regulations Aimed At Protecting Kids From Tobacco Could Go Into Effect In January
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- The Board of Health and Mayor Kenney are proposing regulations in Philadelphia aimed at protecting children from tobacco.
The rules could be implemented shortly after the start of the new year.
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In one neighborhood the Board of Health identified about 15 retailers licensed to sell tobacco on a route to school.
Mayor Kenney would like to reduce the temptation for teens.
"Every store that sells cigarettes is a site for point of sale marketing to kids. The stores promote tobacco with things big pack displays by the cash registers, posters, flavored blueberry tobacco products like blueberry flavored cigars, special discounts and buy one get one free offers. These marketing techniques work, which is why tobacco companies spend so much on them."
Proposed rules would limit tobacco accessibility to kids, like having a retailer density cap with one store licensed in a district per 1,000 people. Tobacco free zones, aimed at phasing out retailers within 500 feet of a school, and enhanced compliance and enforcement checks.