A local organization is taking a different approach to reduce youth smoking rates in Door County. Rather than enact new laws that punish youth for the purchase of tobacco, re:TH!NK is looking to persuade communities across the county to raise their local tobacco retail licensing costs. Currently, any location that sells tobacco products must obtain a license from the community where it is located. Cath Tease, coalition coordinator at re:TH!NK, said it's more important to educate and inform than enforce punitive laws.
Retail stores that currently sell tobacco products will need to renew their licenses next June. According to a press release sent out by re:TH!NK, all but one community in Door County have set their licensing fees within the $5-$25 range. The city of Sturgeon Bay is the lone exception, as it has chosen to enforce the maximum fee of $100.
