Tobacco Program Manager, Jennifer Ramos-Gagne', conducted environmental scans in tobacco retail- specifically convenient stores and gas stations and found product placement violations where candy flavored tobacco items, such as chewing tobacco and cigars, were placed at the register. Violations where tobacco products were not placed behind the counter were found in 3 of the 6 stores visited.

The easy access of tobacco products and appealing candy-flavors towards youth is a great concern. Tobacco Program Specialists (TPS), Dave Powell and Jennifer Ramos-Gagne', discussed the next steps in efforts to reduce future infractions and promote youth advocacy within the retail environment setting.

Putnam County has a Product Placement Ordinance, which restricts tobacco products including electronic cigarettes, to be placed behind the counters and not self-serviced. TPS plan to bring this up at the next SWAT/Tobacco Free Partnership meeting to discuss and educate on Tobacco Retail Licensing and review action plan.