Dearborn Co. Health Department, Sheriff's Office Report Increased Youth Nicotine Use

All Dearborn County residents are asked to be on the lookout for illegal tobacco sales to minors.

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(Dearborn County, Ind.) – Dearborn County residents are asked to be on the lookout for tobacco/nicotine sales to minors.

In a letter to Dearborn County residents, the Dearborn County Health Department and Dearborn County Board of Health stated that the county has experienced increased youth nicotine use through e-cigarette (vape) devices.

Both entities, along with the Dearborn County Sheriff’s Office, are reminding citizens that the sale of tobacco products is illegal to those under the age of 21.

The Dearborn County Health Department and Sheriff’s Office encourages community members to file a complaint towards any retailer that has sold such items to minors. Complaints of illegal activity are handled by Indiana Excise Police and can be filed at http://www.in.gov/atc/isep/2379.htm.

“Not only is the underage sale of tobacco illegal but the supplying of nicotine products to youth is also illegal even if they were purchased legally. If you know this is happening, please report it to local law enforcement,” reads the letter form the Dearborn County Board of Health.

The tobacco sales law has been in effect since July of 2020.

According to the Sheriff’s Office, the penalties for retail stores selling tobacco items to minors are as follows (based on previous year):

• 0 previous citations: $400
• 1 previous citation: $800
• 2 previous citations: $1400
• 3 or more previous citations: $2000
• Class B Misdemeanor for 6 or more retail citations in one year.

For those who need help to quit vaping or smoking, call 1-800-QUIT or visit www.quitnowindiana.com.

Additional resources are available at www.nicotineactionalliance.org.

*Stats provided by the Dearborn County Health Department