Tobacco, Alcohol and Other Drugs

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 2021 - tobacco purchase age of 21: signage to help servers check birthdays on ID cards
It’s The Law 2021 - 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
Tobacco Sales and Licensing in Washington County
Warning Poster for age of sale, penalties and drinking during pregnancy insert link to this document

Employee Training

The alcohol and tobacco server training usually held in the spring by the Washington County Sheriff's Office and Department of Public Health and Environment has been postponed at this time due to COVID-19. See the online training resources below.

Alcohol Online Server Training: benefits licensees by reducing the chances that incidents might result and liability lawsuits might occur. Also, many liquor liability insurance companies offer substantial premium discounts to insured’s that have such training.

Tobacco Online Training and Resources: Training clerks on how to correctly sell tobacco and tobacco-related products is essential to preventing underage youth from purchasing these products, which will help decrease the use of tobacco and protect your business from any violation fines.

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

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.