KING COUNTY, WA - During this year's retailer tobacco stings (compliance checks) in the Eastside, Duvall retailers have turned down under-age youth 67% of the time, a much lower rate than other neighboring Eastside cities. Redmond, Woodinville and Carnation retailers have faired much better in not selling to youth, achieving 93%, 84% and 100% compliance rates respectively.

"Overall, we are pleased with the efforts of the retail community throughout King County," said Dr. Alonzo Plough, Director of Public Health - Seattle & King County. "The results in some communities show us that there is still room for improvement among tobacco retailers."

Public Health - Seattle & King County has the nation's largest and one of the most successful Compliance Check Program, which educates more than 2,000 retailers each year. Every community in King County is visited, and each retailer is educated about responsible tobacco retailing.

During compliance checks, retailers refusing to sell tobacco to minors are congratulated in person and given an information packet. Those caught selling tobacco to a minor receive fines from the Liquor Control Board and are educated about the laws regarding the sale of tobacco. A first time offense results in a $100 fine for the retailers and a $50 fine for the clerk. Repeat offenders may be fined up to $1,000 and may have their license to sell cigarettes suspended.

Washington State law prohibits merchants and adults from providing tobacco products to anyone younger than 18 years of age. People who witness a merchant or other adults (including parents) providing tobacco to a minor should call their local Liquor Control Board to file a confidential complaint. The penalty for providing tobacco to a minor can be as high as $5,000.

For more information about tobacco prevention and control programs, please call Public Health's Tobacco Prevention Program at (206) 296-7613 or visit www.metrokc.gov/health/tobacco.