Scarcnet News Summaries (Advocacy Institute)
Column Endorses Bill To Withhold Teens' License For Smoking
Length: pages
Abstract
Considering Ohio leads the nation in smoking rates among males and is third in the nation for male and female smoking rates, Richard Harsham advocates a "hurry up offense" against teen smoking. Writing in the CINCINNATI POST, Harsham gives his support to legislation, sponsored by Republican Congressman Rob Portman, that would test teens for drug abuse when they apply for a driver's license: "Under the provisions of Congressman Portman's legislation, states that elect to test teens for drugs when they seek a driver's license would receive financial incentives. Now that the landmark settlement with the tobacco industry is a done deal -- those financial incentives could prove all the more sweet. . . . If we are really serious about convincing kids not to smoke, then the consequences for their starting to smoke have to appear harsh and worth avoiding. Knowing they might sacrifice their chance to drive by smoking is likely going to deter many kids, who would otherwise smoke, not to ever start. . . . Those who'd walk a mile for a Camel will be far outnumbered by those who will drive themselves for a milk shake."
Source: Richard Harsham, "Use Ohio's Tobacco Settlement To Help Teens Stop Smoking," CINNCINATI POST, December 24, 1998.