a day ago
Chippewa County reports tobacco sales violations
CHIPPEWA FALLS — After having no violations last year, the Chippewa County Department of Public Health reports there were 'multiple violations' of area businesses selling tobacco and nicotine products to minors in 2025 during compliance checks.
By federal law, sales to minors under the age of 21 are barred. Retailers are required to check IDs and deny sales to anyone under that age, regardless of state or local laws.
'The WI Wins program, a state-supported initiative that began in 2003 and has been active in Chippewa County since 2009, helps communities prevent the sale of tobacco and nicotine products to underage individuals,' a press release Thursday reads. 'The program coordinates investigations using trained youth participants, in partnership with law enforcement, to ensure compliance with state and federal laws. Until this year, Chippewa County had not experienced multiple youth tobacco sales violations since 2018.'
However, the press release doesn't indicate how many violations were recorded, or at which businesses sold products to minors.
'This increase in illegal sales is alarming,' said Grace VanDerhei, Drug Free Communities Project Coordinator. 'We've seen firsthand how effective retailer compliance can be — especially last year, when there were no sales to minors. This year's uptick is a reminder that consistent education and vigilance are essential.'
Youth tobacco use is one of the most preventable causes of addiction and long-term health problems, the press release states. Nearly 90% of adult smokers started before age 18, according to the Centers for Disease Control. Early nicotine exposure can disrupt brain development, increasing the risk of addiction and making it harder to quit.
Teens are especially at risk — nicotine can affect memory, learning, and impulse control, and early use is linked to future substance use. With rising access to e-cigarettes and flavored products, underage tobacco use remains a serious public health concern in Wisconsin and nationwide.
'Preventing underage sales isn't just about following the law—it's about standing up for the next generation,' VanDerhei said. 'Together, we can ensure our kids grow up free from addiction and full of opportunity.'
