Retail Outlet Guidance Documents

Guidance documents available for download include:

The purpose of this document is to present information on methods for performing inspections of retail tobacco outlets as required by law. This information will assist States in developing a scientifically credible and reliable protocol.

This document is designed as an aid to States and communities in implementing the Synar Regulation, which requires the reduction of illegal sales of tobacco products to individuals under the age of 18. It provides information about the important issues and tested strategies relevant to preventing tobacco sales to minors. A clear understanding of the issues, coupled with sound guidance informed by the results of research and practice, will help States reduce their rates of illegal tobacco sales to minors to the maximum level of 20 percent of attempted purchases as stipulated by the Synar Regulation.

This Inspection Training Manual and the companion video Teens Taking Action! are intended to be used to train teen inspectors on how to conduct tobacco sales compliance checks. These materials were developed as resources for State and local agencies responsible for monitoring tobacco sales to minors as mandated by the Synar Regulation. Following the procedures presented in the video and this manual ensures that compliance checks are conducted consistently from year to year and from place to place. Furthermore, Federal agencies, local tobacco enforcement officials, and researchers will find these materials useful in preparing staff for tobacco outlet inspections that are conducted for purposes other than Synar requirements.