The Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (ODMHSAS) latest Synar results reveal that most Oklahoma businesses refuse to sell tobacco to those under 21.
86.4% of Oklahoma businesses helped stop sales and are operating within compliance. This marks a significant improvement compared to the previous year, which saw a compliance rate of 79.8%.
Notably, this year’s results highlight the lowest violation rate since Fiscal Year 2020 when compliance rates stood at 86.8%, indicating a sustained positive trend in combating underage tobacco sales.
Certain densely populated regions, including the Oklahoma City and Tulsa areas, have made substantial strides in reducing violation rates compared to the previous year.
These findings underscore the success of efforts in these areas to ensure the responsible sale of tobacco products and safeguard against underage access.
The annual Synar reports detail trends in sales of tobacco to minors and the success of state compliance with the Synar Amendment.
In July 1992, Congress enacted the Alcohol, Drug Abuse, and Mental Health Administration Reorganization Act (PL 102-321), which includes an amendment (section 1926) aimed at decreasing youth access to tobacco.
This amendment, named for its sponsor, Congressman Mike Synar of Oklahoma, requires states to enact and enforce laws prohibiting the sale or distribution of tobacco products to individuals under the age of 18.
States are required to have a compliance rate of at least 80% (or a noncompliance rate of no more than 20%) regarding the sale of tobacco products to minors and must demonstrate compliance in order to receive their full Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Block Grant (SABG) award.
These results are a testament to the collaborative efforts of government agencies, retailers, and communities in upholding the law and protecting our youth. The continued dedication to maintaining high compliance rates is vital in our commitment to curbing underage tobacco sales.
Carrie Slatton-Hodges, Commissioner of ODMHSAS, commended these achievements, stating, “These results are a testament to the collaborative efforts of government agencies, retailers and communities to protect our youth. We are proud of the progress made in Oklahoma and remain committed to ensuring our state remains a model of responsibility in tobacco sales.”
For more information about the Tobacco Help Line visit, 1-800-Quit Now.
