According to the report released by SAMHSA, the national retailer violation rate declined to 14.1 percent in 2002 from 16.3 percent in 2001. In 1996, the violation rate was as high as 40.1 percent.

Furthermore, the data found that 41 states and the District of Columbia had a retailer violation rate of no higher than 15 percent for inspections conducted in 2002.

"It's a good sign that fewer stores are selling cigarettes to children, but we still have a long way to go if we hope to prevent another generation of smokers," said Health and Human Services Secretary Tommy G. Thompson. "Keeping tobacco out of the hands of children is key to preventing the unhealthy habit that too often causes heart disease and cancer later in life. All of us must remain committed to helping our youth make the healthy decision not to smoke."

Restricting access to youth under age 18 was established under the 1992 federal Synar Amendment. The law requires U.S. states and territories to implement and enforce youth tobacco-access laws; conduct annual random, unannounced inspections of tobacco retailers; meet negotiated annual retailer violation targets; and achieve a final goal of 20 percent or below for retailer non-compliance.

"States that successfully meet their Synar goals tend to share certain characteristics," said SAMHSA Administrator Charles G. Curie. "Generally, these states employ a comprehensive strategy that combines vigorous enforcement efforts, political support from the state government, and a climate of active social norms that discourage youth tobacco use. Tobacco-control programs in these states also tend to be well-coordinated and include targeted merchant and community education, media advocacy, and use of community coalitions to mobilize support for restricting minors' access to tobacco."

SAMHSA released the latest report at the 2003 National Conference on Tobacco or Health held recently in Boston, Mass.

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