Tulsa County cracks down on underage tobacco and vaping sales

A new initiative in Tulsa County aims to cut down on underage tobacco and vaping. The TSET Healthy Living Program has teamed up with local law enforcement and community groups to tackle youth access to these products. The effort comes after concerns were raised by residents about minors obtaining tobacco too easily. The program will start retailer education visits in mid-October. Underage volunteers will attempt to buy tobacco products to test whether stores follow age restrictions. Those that refuse sales will receive recognition for their compliance.

Oklahoma law already requires minors caught with tobacco to complete an addiction course through the ABLE Commission. Now, the focus is shifting to prevention by working directly with retailers. Nearly 90% of US smokers tried their first cigarette before turning 18, and current figures show 9.1% of Oklahoma high school students smoke, while 27.8% vape. Stores that sell to minors risk fines from state and local authorities. The program also plans to educate retailers about the risks of youth tobacco use, which often begins in adolescence and leads to long-term addiction.

The initiative combines enforcement with education to reduce underage tobacco access. Retailers who comply will be publicly thanked, while those who break the rules face penalties. The long-term goal is to lower youth smoking and vaping rates in Tulsa County.