FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
06/30/2025
CONTACT: Pamela Lee, Community Health Worker
715-421-8936, Pamela.Lee@woodcountywi.gov
Wood County Retailers Score 100% Pass Rate in WI WINS Tobacco Checks
(Wood County, WI) – All 53 retail establishments checked in Wood County during the 2024–2025 Wisconsin Wins (WI WINS) age verification checks successfully passed, with no tobacco or nicotine sales to youth recorded.
WI WINS is a statewide initiative aimed at reducing the underage sale of tobacco and nicotine products. The initiative educates retailers, conducts age verification checks, and supports the enforcement of state and federal tobacco laws, including the Tobacco 21 law, which prohibits the sale of tobacco and nicotine products to anyone under the age of 21.
“Reaching a 100% compliance rate across 53 establishments is a major achievement,” said Pamela Lee, the WI WINS coordinator for Wood County. “This result reflects the dedication of our local retailers and their role in protecting the health and safety of kids.”
Key highlights from the 2024-2025 compliance checks:
- 53 establishments were checked throughout Wood County.
- No violations occurred; every establishment refused sale to underage youth.
- The checks were conducted using trained youth volunteers under the supervision of local public health staff.
- Local retailers who passed received positive recognition for their compliance.
WI WINS combines education, prevention, and accountability to support businesses in following the law. Retail staff are encouraged to complete the free state-approved training at WITobaccoCheck.org, which provides practical tools for verifying ID and understanding tobacco laws.
These results are not just a win for public health, they also highlight how community collaboration makes a difference. Data shows that 80% of adults who use tobacco started before the age of 18, so retailers play a crucial role in keeping kids tobacco and nicotine free.
“We’re proud of our local businesses for taking this seriously,” added Lee. “When retailers consistently check IDs and stay up to date on training, everyone benefits.”
For more information on the WI WINS program, visit www.wiwins.org.
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