SD24 - Tobacco Law Enforcement in Virginia: A Review of Resource Allocation Requirements for the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control


Executive Summary:
The enforcement of underage tobacco has received increased attention at the state and federal levels. In Virginia, ABC was allocated the specific responsibility for enforcing the state's underage sales laws. The federal government is also taking an active role through the Synar Amendment and the regulation of tobacco by the FDA. Continued attention is expected as negotiations continue in the tobacco settlement. Many components of this plan create significant requirements for Virginia from both an operational and reporting perspective.

Many opportunities exist to improve tobacco enforcement in Virginia. Centralizing enforcement and reporting requirements within the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control creates the opportunity to capitalize on the synergies between alcohol and tobacco law enforcement. This will improve both the efficiency (use of state resources) and effectiveness (reductions in underage sales) of operations. Virginia will also be positioned to capitalize on federal funding opportunities in the near future.