Tobacco sales to minors are down in La Crosse County

The La Crosse County health department is celebrating a decrease in tobacco sales to minors. 

Throughout Wisconsin, the percentage of tobacco sales made to minors fell below 6 percent in 2018 — a drop from 7 per cent the previous year. 

La Crosse County documented only five retail sales of tobacco to minors last year, compared to 12 in 2017. 

County health educator Rachel King said the government needs to continue education efforts to get retailers to make tobacco less available to underage buyers.

Government health experts are worried about tobacco products being packaged to look like electronic devices or other objects.