Alaska State Legislature
News from the House Majority

Jerry Ritter, House Majority Press Secretary
State Capitol
Juneau, AK 99801
Phone: (907) 465-3804
web site: http://www.akrepublicans.org
Actuality line: 1-800-478-6540

Senate Approves Restrictions on Sale of Tobacco to Kids

Bill Increases Penalties/Makes Employees Accountable

For Immediate Release May 7, 1998 Contact: Rep. John Cowdery at (907) 465-3879.

Juneau -- The Alaska Senate today approved House Bill 189, sponsored by Rep. John Cowdery (R-Anchorage), which limits access to tobacco by minors.

The legislation’s key provision requires retail establishments that sell tobacco to control access to those products until they are sold. It effectively bans "self-service displays."

"Similar laws are in effect in more than 180 cities around the U.S., including Anchorage," said Cowdery. "Banning self service displays has proven to be a most effective way to reduce tobacco access to minors according to research by the Americans for Non-smokers Rights organization. An exemption is provided for boutique tobacco shops that sell primarily tobacco products," Cowdery said.

HB 189 also makes it an offense for all persons, of any age, to negligently sell tobacco to a minor, defined as a person under 19 years of age. And for a person over 19 years of age, it is an offense to negligently give or exchange tobacco with a person under 19 years of age.

House Bill 189 now returns to the House for concurrence.

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