BELLOWS FALLS — According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Vermont Department of Health, tobacco companies in the United States continue to use most of their marketing budgets placing ads in stores where their products are sold. Such companies often use tactics such as placing advertisements where children can see them in order to target youth.
Sunday, May 31 marks World No Tobacco Day, and Greater Falls Connections is celebrating local retailers that reduce tobacco access and advertising.
The nonprofit's Star Store Program recognizes retailers for protecting youth in the community, either by not selling tobacco or alcohol or by not posting ads where children are likely to see them.
According to a news release, Greater Falls Connections lauded retailers in Rockingham and Westminsterfor these efforts, providing them with Star Store window clings to champion their help in reducing youth exposure to tobacco or alcohol products and marketing.
Greater Falls Connections has recognized four stores with a Gold Star for not selling or advertising tobacco products: Greater Falls Pharmacy, Lisai's Market, Little Lisai's Corner Deli, and Vermont Country Store.
Allen Bros. and Walgreens each received a Silver Star for posting no advertising for either tobacco or alcohol.
Retailers interested in learning more information about the program and how they might qualify for a Star Store certificate can contact Deb Witkus, community outreach coordinator, at 802-463-9927, ext. 212.