Milwaukee retailers join WAATPN in celebrating No Menthol Sunday

May 17 is No Menthol Sunday, a time for faith and other communities to help raise awareness about the impact of menthol and other flavored tobacco on our health. No Menthol Sunday is led locally by the Wisconsin African American Tobacco Prevention Network (WAATPN).

In addition to church leaders and congregants, our allies also include a nontraditional partner: Local tobacco retailers.

You probably did a double take when reading that. How can tobacco retailers be allies in tobacco prevention movements? Well, here’s how. Each year, more than 25 Milwaukee-area retailers participate in No Menthol Sunday by agreeing not to sell mentholated products that day.

It is a small but HUGE gesture when you consider that many survive on slim profit margins. For them, it’s a way to partner with the community and also share conversations with customers about quitting tobacco and why menthol is harmful. Retailers also participate in trainings hosted by the WAATPN that help them avoid illegal sales to anyone under 21 by checking IDs and also learn about illegal vape products.

The Wisconsin Wins Program provides free resources for retailers who need help, including signage at dhs.wisconsin.gov/tobacco/tobacco21. There’s also free training available for employees on federal and state tobacco sales law at witobaccocheck.org. You can also learn more about or participate in No Menthol Sunday by visiting nomentholsundaywi.com.

We thank our retailers for their support and wish everyone a happy No Menthol Sunday on May 17.