The Fall River Board of Health has been awarded a grant by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health's Tobacco Control Program. This grant provides for a full-time coordinator who is responsible for ensuring compliance with the state's tobacco sales ordinances which specifically restrict the sales of tobacco products to persons under the age of 18. The law requires all licensed sales outlets to require the presentation of a picture identification, such as a driver's license, for all purchases. The Tobacco Control Program ensures compliance with this law by running periodic "stings" in which youth attempt to purchase tobacco products without identification.
 

(Top row) Confederate underage tobacco buyers Ryan and Chris enter Jose Vaz's Columbus Farm Market on Bedford Street across from the Boys and Girls Club, which like nearly all local markets, has a license from the City to sell tobacco products. (Middle row) Each attempts to purchase tobacco products without proper identification. (Bottom row) Turned away, as mandated by Massachusetts tobacco laws, the boys leave the store and check in with Tobacco Control Coordinator Marilyn Edge who interviews each of the boys about exactly what happened. Had they been able to purchase tobacco products, they would give the items to Ms. Edge to use as evidence. Stores not in compliance with the law are issued citations and may, upon the third violation, lose their license to sell tobacco products for thirty days, following a hearing by the Board of Health. Mr. Vaz has always been in compliance with the law and makes of point of discouraging illegal sales to minors by keeping all of his tobacco products well behind the counter, out of reach of minors who may be tempted to shoplift these items.