ATC gets grant to help stop underage smoking

In today’s tough economic climate, one entity received funding this week they believe can help make Louisiana a better place.

Louisiana Office of Alcohol and Tobacco Control Commissioner Troy Hebert announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration awarded the ATC a $1.7 million grant.

The funds from the grant will go to conduct inspections and compliance checks to further curb underage tobacco sales and reduce violations of tobacco laws.

“Underage smoking is a huge problem,” Hebert said. “ATC will issue stiff penalties to businesses who insist on selling tobacco products to minors.”

The three-year funding agreement was reached between the two entities after months of negotiation.

Hebert said the funding will add more than 3,500 inspections of retail tobacco outlets and will also allow ATC agents to conduct more underage compliance checks than ever before.

The commissioner also said the program will also help reputable businesses in the state, serving to stop those businesses who skirt the rules and make money illegally from tobacco products.