American Heart Association urges governor to sign S.198, a bill containing proven policy that strengthens retailer accountability
Protecting young people from nicotine addiction and ensuring businesses follow the law are fundamental public health priorities. The Vermont Legislature took a major step toward those goals today by giving final approval to legislation that sends a message that selling tobacco products to kids won’t be tolerated.
In a unanimous vote, the Senate agreed to the House changes to S.198. The bill now heads to the governor’s desk for consideration. It prioritizes the health of Vermont youth by preventing deceptive tobacco products from being sold, strengthens Vermont’s tobacco retail license laws and removes barriers to young people getting the help they need to quit.
Strong tobacco retail licensure laws are a proven public health tool that allow states to know where tobacco products are sold, who is selling them and whether retailers are complying with the law.
Among other things, S.198 will increase penalties to retailers who illegally sell to youth, separate tobacco from liquor licenses, set a fee for wholesale licenses, ban the marketing and sale of deceptive tobacco products, remove penalties against youth and provide an option for cessation counseling for youth who try to buy with a fake ID and might be addicted.
“An important cornerstone of S.198 is the provision that prevents the sale of tobacco products that look like video games, toys, candy and school supplies,” Tina Zuk, senior lead, state government relations for the American Heart Association in Vermont said. “‘Puff to play’ tobacco products are clearly not intended for adult use and could hook Vermont youth on tobacco and nicotine for a lifetime.”
Zuk noted that licensing safeguards are essential to limit youth access. Youth use of nicotine products remains a significant concern in Vermont. In 2023, 16.1% of Vermont high school students reported having used electronic vapor products[1], highlighting the continued reach and appeal of these products among young people.
“Many of these products have a high nicotine content. Kids are hooked in no time and are struggling to quit,” Zuk said. “We want kids to seek help when they want to quit and not fear getting in trouble if they come forward. S.198 allows that.”
Testimony on the bill included that youth found it ‘very easy’ to access these products even at the middle-school level.
By approving tobacco retail licensure, Vermont lawmakers have taken an important step toward preventing nicotine addiction among youth and reducing the availability of products that put young people’s health at risk, products that are having a significant impact on the state’s coffers. Vermont currently spends $404 million annually to treat tobacco-caused diseases, including $93.7 million in direct Medicaid expenditures.[2]
The legislation was supported by a broad group of interests including public health organizations, the Vermont Attorney General’s Office, the Vermont Retail and Grocers Association and the Department of Liquor and Lottery.
The American Heart Association applauds the Legislature’s action and urges the governor to sign the bill into law.
Strengthening tobacco retail licensure in Vermont and eliminating tobacco products geared to hook kids would mark an important step toward reducing youth tobacco use, improving accountability and protecting the health of Vermont’s children, families and communities.