Alcohol and Tobacco Lesson goal

Tobacco – dangers, cont.

ALCOHOL AND TOBACCO

Cigarette smoking causes serious health problems among children and teens, including:

• Coughing
• Shortness of breath
• More frequent headaches
• Increased phlegm (mucus)
• Respiratory illnesses
• Worse cold and flu symptoms
• Reduced physical fitness
• Poor lung growth and function
• Worse overall health
• Addiction to nicotine

Tobacco – Virginia laws

ALCOHOL AND TOBACCO

Virginia law restricts access to tobacco to those over 18 years of age. (Code of Virginia § 18.2-371.2)

Tobacco – penalties

ALCOHOL AND TOBACCO

If anyone under 18 purchases or possesses any tobacco product – even from a vending machine – including items such as cigarettes, cigars, bidis, rolling papers, nicotine vapor products, and alternative nicotine products, they may be punishable by:

• A civil penalty not to exceed $100 for the first violation, and $250 for subsequent violations.
• Up to 20 hours of community service for a first violation and up to 40 hours of community service for a subsequent violation. (Code of Virginia § 18.2-371.2 (D))

Tobacco – other laws

ALCOHOL AND TOBACCO

Other laws govern tobacco use:

• Virginia law limits tobacco use in schools, certain restaurants, and many public places, regardless of the age of the user.
• Anyone who smokes in a designated no-smoking area and anyone who continues to smoke after being asked to refrain from smoking is subject to a civil penalty. (Code of Virginia § 15.2-2824)

Tobacco – recap

ALCOHOL AND TOBACCO

• It is illegal for any person under the age of 18 to purchase, attempt to purchase, or possess any tobacco product, including rolling papers.
• It is illegal for stores to sell tobacco products to anyone under 18 years of age.
• Regardless of the user’s age, Virginia laws limit tobacco use in many public places, in schools, and in restaurants.