Resources for Businesses that Sell Alcohol and Tobacco in Washington County 

• Digital, programmable age verification calendar for retailers to help determine if a customer is old enough to legally purchase tobacco products.
• ID Checking Guide enables servers to make accurate, on-the-spot verification of driver’s licenses and ID cards 
• FDA Website for Retail Sales of Tobacco Products: On December 20, 2019, the President signed legislation to amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, and raise the federal minimum age of sale of tobacco products from 18 to 21 years. It is now illegal for a retailer to sell any tobacco product – including cigarettes, cigars and e-cigarettes – to anyone under 21. FDA will provide additional details on this issue as they become available.” The FDA will provide additional details on this issue as they become available.
• It's The Law 2020 - tobacco purchase age of 21: signage to help servers check birthdays on ID cards
• It’s The Law 2020 - Alcohol: signage to help servers check birthdays on ID cards
• Preventing Sales to Intoxicated Patrons
• Safe Bars: Free Training to Recognize the Signs of Sexual Violence and Training offered in Washington County
• Warning Poster for age of sale, penalties and drinking during pregnancy insert link to this document

Employee Training 

The Washington County Sheriff's Office and Department of Public Health and Environment hold free server training in late spring. Contact 651-430-6655 for more information. 

Chemical Health Concerns

Tobacco, alcohol and other drug use can affect anyone, no matter their gender, race, ethnicity, or income level. Preventing chemical use and abuse in our communities is the first step to eliminating the issues associated with tobacco, alcohol, and other drugs, such as chronic disease, injuries, decreased productivity, and social and family disruptions. For more information on local community efforts in Washington County email PHE@co.washington.mn.us.

Tobacco Prevention

Tobacco use is the leading cause of preventable death. More deaths can be attributed to tobacco use than to alcohol, drugs, firearms, motor vehicle crashes, and HIV/AIDS combined. At least 80 percent of adult smokers report that they had their first cigarette before the age of 18. Preventing youth from ever starting to smoke is necessary to reduce the harm caused by tobacco use.

Resources

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• Smoke-free America - Tobaccofree.org
• 2012 Surgeon General's Report, Preventing Tobacco Use Among Youth and Young People
• Living Healthy in Washington County Tobacco-Free Living
• Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
• CollegeParentsMatter.org
• Partnership For Drug-Free Kids

Concerned About Alcohol or Other Drug Use?

If you are concerned about your own or someone else's alcohol or other drug use, please contact the Chemical Health Intake Line at 651-430-6561 or for additional information on assessments and resources in Washington County, visit the Community Services Alcohol and Drug Abuse Services page.