Robert Smith: “today in America, too many teenagers have access to too much tobacco at too many stores and retail outlets. The result?…”

“today in America, too many teenagers have access to too much tobacco at too many stores and retail outlets. The result? Each day 3,000 more young people start smoking and get addicted to lethal tobacco products. As Congress considers legislation to reduce teenage smoking and to address the growing public health concerns associated with the use of tobacco, I want to propose a concept that goes to the heart of the problem--keeping tobacco products out of the hands of kids. While there are numerous well-intentioned suggestions as to how to best achieve this goal, I believe that the proposal I am introducing today goes to the heart of the problem--holding both those who sell tobacco accountable and those who illegally purchase tobacco responsible. It demands the participation by store owners, clerks, parents, kids, and local law enforcement. The proposal is a simple, direct approach: require those who sell tobacco to be licensed and trained, and hold children who illegally purchase tobacco responsible for their actions--by notifying their parents, imposing fines and community service, and restricting access to driving privileges. With this legislation, we have an opportunity to take some incremental and immediate action today, to empower our communities in the fight against teenage tobacco use.”