On Feb. 28, the federal government began prohibiting sales of tobacco products to individuals under 18 and requiring a mandatory photo identification check of individuals under age 27.
Other tobacco restrictions--including a limit on advertising to black-and-white text, a ban on billboards within 1,000 feet of schools and playgrounds, and a ban on tobacco brand names on non-tobacco products--are scheduled to begin Aug. 28.
The regulations, part of a federal crackdown on teenagers' use of tobacco products, are being challenged in court by tobacco companies.
The AAFP and individual family physicians have promoted tobacco restrictions at federal and state levels to curb sales to youth. In a related effort, AAFP President Patrick Harr, MD, of Maryville, MO, wrote to AAFP members last month, asking you to talk to fifth-graders about tobacco. He suggested using the free curriculum from Tar Wars, a national campaign. To request the curriculum, call (800) TAR-WARS [827-9277].