An initiative in the state of Arizona is working on combating the sale of vaping products to minors under the age of 21. Within the program, youth volunteers go undercover and “bust” illegal vendors.
The program, called Counter Strike, was initiated back in 2002 and run by the Arizona Attorney’s General Office Tobacco Enforcement Unit (TEU), along with the Arizona Department of Health. Through the initiative, young people accompanied by special investigators walk into stores and try to purchase nicotine products. Businesses found selling to them face fines of up to $1,000, while individual clerks can receive a fine of up to $300. If the vendor refuses to sell to the undercover teen, the investigators walk in and thank them for keeping tobacco away from teenagers. Since its inception, Counter Strike conducted over 35,000 retail visits.
