THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, March 21, 1996 TAG: 9603210009
SECTION: FRONT PAGE: A14 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: Short : 31 lines
``Nicotine is a drug'' (editorial, Feb. 5) makes an excellent point in noting that youngsters who start smoking are likely to become lifelong smokers and that one in three will die earlier because he smokes. The Virginia Beach Junior Chamber of Commerce (Jaycees) is working to help stop this tragedy.
Through our program JAYS (Jaycees Against Youth Smoking), we're offering retailers free materials to help them educate their employees and customers about the national ban on selling cigarettes to anyone under age 18. In return for the brochures, signs and stickers, retailers are asked to sign a pledge that they will not sell tobacco products to minors.
Research has shown that minors' access to cigarettes is reduced by more than 50 percent when age-restriction laws are supported. We invite Hampton Roads businesses to join us in protecting our children and supporting the law. The free materials may be obtained by calling 588-1346 or writing to JAYS, c/o Virginia Beach Jaycees, P.O. Box 62053, Virginia Beach, Va. 23466.
KRISTEN KIRK
JAYS coordinator
Virginia Beach, March 12, 1996 by CNB