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Synar Tobacco Prevention
Synar Tobacco Prevention requires states to enact and enforce laws (O.C.G.A. 16-12-171) prohibiting any manufacturer, retailer, or distributor from selling or distributing tobacco products to individuals under the age of 18; and to ensure compliance states must conduct random, unannounced inspections of tobacco outlets.
Check It Synar Campaign
We are launching the "Check-It" campaign. Here's our happy "Check-It" character. Take a look at our 30 second ad, and remember, it's important for retail sales personnel to always check the IDs for anyone they suspect is under 18 years old. That's because it's illegal to sell cigarettes or tobacco-related objects to a minor.
Check ID commercial June 2012
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OPSP is launching a statewide education campaign to promote awareness among tobacco retailers particularly and all Georgians in general that selling and purchasing cigarettes or tobacco related objects to individuals under the age of 18 years is against the law O.C.G.A. (16-12-171).
See the Department of Revenue website for more information regarding the unlawful sale of alcoholic beverages, tobacco products, or related violations. You may contact a Revenue Law Enforcement Officer to report a violation or for more information about the underage alcohol or tobacco laws by calling 1-877-CHECK ID (1-877-243-2543), or via e-mail to: [email protected].
Synar Amendment: Protecting the Nation’s Youth from Nicotine Addiction
The Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration's Center for Substance Abuse Prevention (CSAP) oversees implementation of the Synar Amendment.
OPSP partners with the Georgia Department of Revenue, Alcohol & Tobacco Division, and the University of Georgia, Carl Vinson Institute on Government to enforce state laws against the sale of tobacco and alcohol products to minors. This is in compliance with the final regulation implementing section 1926 of the Public Health Service (PHS) Act prohibiting the sale or distribution of tobacco products to minors, and to state law O.C.G.A. 16-12-171 in response to strategies put forth by the U.S. Surgeon General on tobacco access limitation.
- Georgia Department of Revenue, Alcohol and Tobacco Division
- Has sole authority for enforcing the state’s tobacco laws including implementation
- Alcohol and Tobacco Division conducts the compliance checks
- Employs youth (15-17) throughout the state to conduct “try buys”.
- Trains youth inspectors
- Prepares a report of findings (County specific data.)
- University of Georgia, Carl Vinson Institute on Government
- Develops sampling protocols
- Develops methodology for the Synar survey.
- Conducts data analysis on the sample
- Provides vendor verification.
DBHDD, OPSP; DOR, ATD; and UGA, CVIOG comprise Georgia’s Synar Tobacco Prevention Team.
Synar Reports
2016 Annual Synar Report &
2016
Annual Synar Report - SSES Results
2015
Annual Synar Report
&
2015
Annual Synar Report - SSES Results
2014 Annual Synar Report &
2014
Annual Synar Report - SSES Results
2013 Annual Synar Report &
2013
Annual Synar Report - SSES Results
2012 Annual Synar Report (revised) & 2012 Annual Synar Report - SSES Results (revised)
2011
Annual Synar Report
& 2011 Annual Synar Report - SSES Results
2010
Annual Synar Report
& 2010 Annual Synar Report - SSES Results
FDA Rule Protects Kids from Tobacco
On March 19, 2010, the FDA Center for Tobacco Products publishes a new rule to protect kids from tobacco addiction and premature death from tobacco use.
The new rule becomes effective June 22, 2010 and prohibits the sale, distribution, and marketing of cigarettes and smokeless tobacco to youth, including:
Sale and Distribution Regulations
- Prohibits the sale of cigarettes or smokeless tobacco to people younger than 18.
- Prohibits the sale of cigarette packages with fewer than 20 cigarettes.
- Prohibits the sale of cigarettes and smokeless tobacco in vending machines, self-service displays, or other impersonal modes of sales, except in very limited situations.
- Restricts free samples of cigarettes or smokeless tobacco products.
Marketing Regulations
- Prohibits tobacco brand name sponsorship of any athletic, musical, or other social or cultural event, or any team or entry in those events.
- Prohibits gifts or other items in exchange for buying cigarettes or smokeless tobacco products.
- Requires that audio ads use only words with no music or sound effects.
- Prohibits the sale or distribution of items, such as hats and tee shirts, with tobacco brands or logos.
How You Can Help
- Spread the word: Share this information through your email distribution lists, newsletters, Websites, and other communication channels.
- Show your support: Place the “Protecting Kids from Tobacco” social media badges and buttons on your Web site, Facebook page, MySpace page, or in your blog to share information about these new regulations.
- Submit your data: FDA is also publishing an advance notice of proposed rulemaking that requests information from the field on the regulation of outdoor advertising of cigarettes and smokeless tobacco.
For more information, visit: http://www.fda.gov/protectingkidsfromtobacco.
Resources
Synar - Tobacco Prevention Facebook page