South Carolina residents under age 18 found in possession of cigarettes will face fines and other penalties under a law that went into effect this month, WLTX-TV reported Aug .21.

The new law sets $25 fines or community service for youth cigarette or other tobacco possession; repeat offenders could lose their driver's licenses. Merchants also will face greater penalties for selling tobacco to youths.

Police in Columbia, S.C., said they plan to meet with students, merchants and others to raise awareness about the new law.