Fewer NH Youths Using Cigarettes, Other Tobacco Products

The state Department of Health and Human Services' Bureau of Drug and Alcohol Services announced a decrease this week in tobacco sales to youth in New Hampshire in 2013.  

According to recent compliance checks, tobacco sales to youth in New Hampshire dropped to 11.2 percent in 2013, down from 13.2 percent in 2012. Three hundred and twelve tobacco retailers were surveyed as part of a federally mandated compliance effort to reduce tobacco sales to youth.

"We have been working very closely with our partners at the Division of Liquor Enforcement, DHHS’ Tobacco Prevention and Control Program, and our Regional Public Health Networks to educate retailers about the health risks for youth who use tobacco," BDAS Director Joe Harding said. "The drop in tobacco sales to youth is certainly a step in the right direction and shows our education efforts are helping."

Data from the New Hampshire Youth Risk Behavior Survey demonstrated that youth tobacco use dramatically increases their use of other substances. The results of 22,000 student surveyed in 2007 revealed that 27 out of 28 high school students who smoked also reported drinking. The results of the checks are well under the federal requirement of 20 percent and would seem to indicate an increased vigilance among tobacco retailers in New Hampshire.

"We know that tobacco use among our youth causes both immediate and long-term damage," New Hampshire Public Health Director Dr. Jose Montero said. "While this year’s survey shows we are making progress in reducing access to tobacco use among our youth, we need to do more. The younger youth are when they start using tobacco, the more likely they will become addicted."