TSET receives funding to prevent underage accessing tobacco and vape products

OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) - On Wednesday, the Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust (TSET) announced $57,288 in funding to boost efforts to prevent people under age accessing tobacco and vape products.

“Our mission is public safety and if we can deter even one child from experimenting or becoming addicted to tobacco and vaping products then we are making a positive difference.”

ABLE Commission Executive Director Brandon Clabes

TSET, committed to improving the health of Oklahomans is partnering with the Oklahoma Alcoholic Beverage Laws Enforcement (ABLE) in promoting public heath to be improved in areas of physical activity and access to healthy foods.

According to the ABLE Commission's project the project is set to focus on the following:

• Compliance Checks: Conducting checks to ensure vape and tobacco suppliers are following the law, especially with new products.
• Law Enforcement Training: Hosting regional trainings for law enforcement officers on Oklahoma’s tobacco laws and how to conduct compliance inspections.
• Student Education: Offering educational programs in middle schools to teach students about the dangers and consequences of using tobacco and vape products.
• Vapor Product Registry Enhancement: Improve the state-mandated vapor product registry to make it easier to use and more accurate.

“Most tobacco users start before they turn 18. TSET is supporting the ABLE Commission’s prevention program to keep these products away from our youth. Programs like this will help make Oklahoma’s communities and schools safer and healthier.”

TSET Executive Director Julie Bisbee.

“The ABLE Commission is excited to partner with TSET, especially in reducing youth access to
tobacco and nicotine products,” ABLE Commission Executive Director Brandon Clabes stated.