On Tuesday, Jan. 31, the Wichita Mountains Prevention Network – Lawton Regional Prevention coordinators, along with Jackson County Tobacco Education Committee and SWAT student volunteers, conducted 12 tobacco compliance checks, also known as “Reward and Reminder Visits” in Jackson County. Out of the 12 checks done, no establishments attempted to sell tobacco to a minor. Thank you to the following retail establishments for not selling tobacco to minors:

S&P Gulf, 321 E. Broadway Altus; Main Express Mart, 2212 N. Main Altus; Olustee; Pit Stop, 113 E. 4th St., Olustee;

Mr. Bill Gas & Food, 401 W. Broadway, Altus; Blair Superette, 302 Zinn St., Blair; Stripes, 1120 Falcon Park, Altus;

Murphy USA, 2504 N. Main St., Altus; Stripes, 421 N. Main/Sutherland, Altus; Dixie Quick Stop, 1001 E. Ridgecrest, Altus; The Shop around the corner, 213 E. Main Ave., Duke; and Loves Country Store, 619 N. Main St., Altus.

Reward and Reminder Visits are designed to commend clerks and retailers who refuse to sell tobacco products to minors. The research-based outreach program encourages retailers to comply with Oklahoma’s statutes making it illegal to sell any tobacco product to minors. During Reward and Reminder Visits teams of adults and underage youth visit retail establishments where youth attempt to purchase tobacco products.

Those who sell will receive a reminder that clerks who sell tobacco products to minors face a misdemeanor charge along with a $200.00 fine. The clerk is also reminded to ID youth before completing future sales. Clerks who do not sell will be rewarded for their actions. All the store clerks who did not sell on January 31st were entered into a drawing for a $25 visa gift card. The clerk winner will be announced at the end of the quarter. If you would like more information pertaining to the Reward and Reminder Visits, please contact Kim Booker at the Wichita Mountains Prevention Network at (580)355-5246.