WISCONSIN (WFRV) – The Wisconsin Department of Health Services is highlighting progress in reducing illegal sales of tobacco and vape products to underage consumers, though officials say there is still work to be done.
Annual data from the Synar Survey, a statewide assessment of retailer violation rates, shows that illegal underage sales declined from 13.6% in 2023 to 11.8% in 2024. The rate peaked in 2021 at 14.1%, with a low of 5.5% in 2019.
Appleton, Green Bay named top 100 places to live in the US in 2025
“We are glad to see a decline in overall sales of tobacco and vape products to underage kids, yet the rate remains too high,” said State Health Officer and Division of Public Health Administrator Paula Tran. “We know that more than 80% of adult smokers started before the age of 18, and about 95% of them before turning 21. This is why it is so important to continue the work to prevent young people from starting to use commercial tobacco and nicotine products to protect their health today and long into the future.”
The most recent Synar Surveys have measured sales to those under age 21, aligning with a 2019 federal law change that raised the legal tobacco sales age from 18 to 21. Wisconsin is one of only eight states that has not updated its state law to reflect the federal standard, leading to confusion and enforcement issues.
In response, DHS launched the “Tobacco 21” public awareness campaign in 2022 to reinforce the federal minimum sales age to both the public and retailers.
“Welcome to hot dog heaven:” Brewers introduce new Hot Dog Club
The 2024 survey also found that tobacco and vape shops sold to underage buyers at a rate of 30%, compared to 11.8% at gas stations and 10.8% at other retail outlets.
The DHS Wisconsin Commercial Tobacco Prevention and Treatment Program has also noted a rise in local zoning ordinances limiting the number and location of tobacco and vape retailers.
