Wisconsin WINS is a statewide campaign that works to decrease youth access to tobacco products and help retailers avoid fines. The Wisconsin Department of Health Services contracts with local partners to conduct investigations into tobacco sales. The program also provides retailers education and training resources. Wisconsin WINS congratulates clerks who do not sell tobacco to youth and educates those who do.

The federal tobacco 21 law requires an individual to be 21 years old to purchase any tobacco products. All retailers should check a valid photo ID before selling a tobacco product to make sure they are selling to someone of legal age.

Wisconsin WINS investigations can happen at any time throughout the year, are unannounced, have local law enforcement involvement, and are authorized by Wisconsin State Statue 254.916.

Retailers can use the Wisconsin WINS free online tool to learn the facts about Wisconsin’s tobacco sales laws. By knowing the facts, retailers can avoid mistakes and expensive citations. A free, state approved training is available in multiple languages on www.WITobaccoCheck.org.