PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY, Md. — Parents in Prince George’s County say tobacco shops are too easily accessible in the community and its impact on their children.
The Prince George's County Council recently passed a bill limiting certain functions of tobacco shops, but shop owners have another two years to implement those changes and parents want action now.
"There’s just way too many and they’re selling to our kids," said parent Atiya Haynes.
Haynes has a daughter attending Central High School in Capitol Heights.
"It’s not just a Central High School issue it’s a [Prince George's] county issue, an issue across the country," said Haynes.
She says her family lives less than two miles away from the school, and there’s four different tobacco shops they pass daily. "It worries me."
District 6 School Board Member Branndon Jackson recently sent a letter to shop owners in the county. It reads in part, "businesses in the tobacco industry specifically within my district have broken federal and state tobacco rules by selling tobacco products to our scholars…I cannot standby and allow this to continue."
"I have talked to security personnel and they’re like we’re recovering that type of tobacco paraphernalia off of the students bringing it into the classroom smoking in the bathrooms," said Jackson.
A spokesperson for PGCPS sent the following statement:
"Last school year, vape detection devices were installed in four bathrooms as a pilot program at High Point High School. These devices send immediate alerts when they detect a change in noise or smoke levels and have cameras positioned outside of the bathrooms to assist with monitoring. The detection system also has the ability to provide data on daily violations, and since installation there has been a reduction in the number of vape violations at the school. The PGCPS Office of Student Engagement and School Support provides and tracks referrals to our evening counseling center for students regarding substance use and possession. Additionally, PGCPS recently won a settlement through Juul to support anti-drug and rehabilitation work in our schools."
The spokesperson did not say if the district plans to expand the program.
People living in Prince George’s County want shop owners to put the community’s health first.
"I’m looking for these folks to put constraints and not to put profits over our children," said Judy Mickens-Murray, chair of the school board.
Neighboring school districts like Alexandria, Stafford, Fairfax, and Montgomery counties have all installed vape detectors at some schools.
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