Up North Prevention's Efforts to Reduce Underage Tobacco Sales and Support Compliance with the Synar Amendment

Up North Prevention is working to restrict tobacco sales to minors under the Synar Amendment, which was enacted as part of the Federal Public Health Service Act. This program requires states to implement laws and enforcement programs to prohibit the sale and distribution of tobacco to anyone under the age of 21.

For us to reach the state and federal goal of achieving an 80% compliance rate for tobacco/nicotine sales to underage youth, resource packets are provided to all Michigan tobacco retailers with current sales information, strategies, and signage to help prevent underage sales. Up North Prevention staff works to provide information and educational materials at community events, schools, parent groups, and retail outlets that sell tobacco products

Additionally, Synar tobacco compliance checks are conducted across the United States every spring to determine if local retailers are in compliance with the Youth Tobacco Act. During the summer, final compliance checks are completed at approximately 5% of the stores in the Northern Michigan region. In 2024, these checks resulted in an 87% compliance rate in the state of Michigan. The 21-county area of Northern Michigan had a 97% compliance rate, and the 14 Up North Prevention counties had a 100% compliance rate. We commend those retailers who checked I.D.s and refused to sell tobacco to underage youth. 

For anyone under the age of 21, the Michigan Secretary of State issues a vertical Michigan driver’s license with the date the person will turn 21 displayed on the front of the license in bright red print. This allows a clerk to quickly determine if the customer is old enough to purchase tobacco or e-cigarette products.

Any questions about the Youth Tobacco Act can be directed to Up North Prevention at (231) 261-8434.