Critical Program From the Arizona Attorney General Helps Keep Tobacco Away from Kids

PHOENIX – As e-cigarette sales rise across the nation, Attorney General Kris Mayes is amplifying the work of youth who volunteer with the Arizona Attorney General’s Office (AGO) to protect their peers. 

These youth volunteers are part of Operation Counter Strike, an AGO program charged with ensuring retail outlets are following the law by not selling tobacco to Arizona kids. 

“We appreciate our youth volunteers and their role in making sure that retailers follow the laws prohibiting the sale of tobacco products to our young people,” said Attorney General Mayes. “Their contribution to our community makes a difference.” 

Special investigators are paired with youth volunteers who attempt to buy tobacco from Arizona retailers. Retailers who sell tobacco to a youth volunteer may be cited and fined. Retailers that comply with the law prohibiting sales of tobacco to youth are congratulated for their vigilance in keeping tobacco away from kids. 

Counter Strike inspects retailers in every county in Arizona, conducting more than 2,000 inspections per year. During fiscal year 2022, more than 60 youth volunteers participated in the program over the course of 2,730 inspections that resulted in a total of 716 criminal citations issued to clerks and businesses who sold tobacco products to youth volunteers.   

Arizona law prohibits the sale of tobacco products -- including e-cigarettes -- to youth. The operation is in collaboration with the Arizona Department of Health Services to protect the health and safety of Arizona youth. 

The implementation of the Counter Strike Program helps to protect critical federal funding for substance abuse and mental health services in Arizona totaling over $40 million per year. 

The Attorney General’s Office works closely with County Attorney’s Offices, Justice Courts, and health departments to implement and maintain the Arizona Retail Tobacco Training (ARTT) class and diversion program. ARTT provides individuals and businesses with the opportunity to receive in-depth education on tobacco laws and the public health goals behind them and is often offered in lieu of fines to first time offenders. ARTT is also available, statewide, at no cost to tobacco retailers as a preventative training tool. 

If you believe a retailer is selling tobacco products (including e-cigarettes to minors), you can help by submitting a complaint to the Arizona Attorney General’s Office