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Web posted October 13, 1997

Editor: The Chronicle:

While the big tobacco deal shows signs of stalling in Washington, it's time to turn attention to a better piece of legislation that would make immediate progress against teen smoking. Rep. Sanford Bishop, D-Ga., is a sponsor of legislation called the ``Tobacco Use by Minors Deterrence Act.'' While the tobacco settlement takes an extraordinarily narrow approach to teen smoking, Rep. Bishop's bill presents an innovative, team approach that includes retailers, employees, law enforcement, families and kids themselves.

Under Rep. Bishop's bill, retailers would participate in state licensing programs like those applied to alcohol sales, restrict tobacco displays within minor's reach, pay stiff fines and risk loss of their tobacco license for noncompliance. In addition, the Bishop bill requires retailers to train employees on how to prevent tobacco sales to youth.

As an operator of 15 convenience stores, our company is committed to stopping teen smoking. However, retailers can't solve this problem alone. We need parents, law enforcement and communities to get involved. The Bishop bill requires parental notification when youth are caught buying cigarettes. For youth who break the law, it imposes fines, community service and possible loss of their drivers licenses.

Rep. Bishop's effort is right on track. Let's push aside this talk of deals and settlements and get down to the business of keeping teen-agers from using tobacco.

Paul Setzer, Augusta