Program Recruits Teens to Work Undercover and Help Curb Tobacco Sales to Minors
PHOENIX -- Arizona Attorney General Mark Brnovich applauds all of the young volunteers who help keep tobacco products out of the hands of minors. They are part of Counter Strike, a program created and maintained by the Attorney General's Office (AGO) and the Arizona Department of Health Services to help keep tobacco retailers from selling to kids under the age of 18. The teens work with a special investigator, going undercover to buy tobacco products. If the retailer makes an illegal sale, the business could receive a citation and a fine. If the retailer refuses to sell to the young volunteer, the business receives a letter from the AGO, letting them know their team is in compliance.
At a recent Diamondbacks game, Attorney General Brnovich recognized the teens from every county in the state, who volunteer their time to the program.
“It is everyone’s responsibility to uphold our laws, and these fine young volunteers are certainly doing their part,” said Attorney General Mark Brnovich. “ I salute their enthusiastic service and commitment to making a meaningful difference in our communities.”
In fiscal year 2022, the program completed 2,934 undercover inspections and issued 764 criminal citations to clerks and businesses that sold tobacco products to Counter Strike volunteers.
AGTV spoke with Assistant Attorney General Erika Mansur who heads up the Counter Strike program under the AG's Tobacco Enforcement Unit.
To learn more about the Counter Strike program, click here.
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