RESOLUTION NO. 137 of 2007 DATED: April 24, 2007

WHEREAS, in New York State alone, the tobacco industry spends $516 million annually to market its deadly products; and

WHEREAS, every day, another 4,000 American children start to smoke, and another 2,000 become regular, daily smokers; and

WHEREAS, 75% of youth shop in a convenience store at least once a week; and

WHEREAS, tobacco advertising in retail stores has a powerful influence on teens, who are significantly more likelty to smoke due to advertising than they are due to peer pressure; and

WHEREAS, children are more likely than adults to notice and remember tobacco advertising; and

WHEREAS, nearly 90% of adult smokers started smoking before they were eighteen years old; and

WHEREAS, retail stores are an integral part of our community.

RESOLVED, that the Montgomery County Board of Supervisors supports Project Action and Reality Check in their campaign to raise awareness of the prevalence and impact of tobacco advertsing and promotion with parents and local retailers; and

FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Montgomery County Board of Supervisors supports reducing, rearranging or eliminating tobacoo advertisements in the retail setting to protect the health and wellness of Montgomery County youth.

RESOLUTION ADOPTED with Aye(1868). (4/24/2007)