Tobacco Age of Sale Enforcement Program

The Tobacco Age of Sale Enforcement Program is administered by the New Jersey Department of Health, specifically through its Division of Health Promotion within the Community Health and Wellness Unit and the Office of Tobacco Control Program. This initiative is designed to support enforcement of New Jersey’s law prohibiting the sale of tobacco and nicotine products to individuals under the age of 21. The program aligns with federal requirements under the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration and reflects the state’s commitment to reducing youth access to tobacco products. The funding opportunity seeks to strengthen compliance enforcement capacity at the local level through structured inspection activities and coordinated oversight. The primary purpose of the program is to fund eligible organizations to conduct compliance inspections of Tobacco Retail Establishments, including vape shops and other vendors that sell tobacco and nicotine products. Awardees are expected to recruit, train, and supervise both adult and youth inspectors to perform routine and follow up inspections. The program emphasizes data driven and equity focused approaches, requiring applicants to identify high risk communities based on factors such as tobacco retailer density, youth usage rates, and disparities in health outcomes. The goal is to reduce illegal sales to minors, increase retailer awareness, and ultimately decrease youth tobacco use across the state. Funding for this opportunity is contingent upon state appropriations, with approximately one million dollars available for up to seven awards during the initial ten month project period. Each award may reach up to one hundred forty thousand dollars, and the program is structured as a five year funding opportunity subject to annual continuation based on performance and funding availability. Funds are distributed on a cost reimbursement basis unless a waiver is approved. At least sixty percent of awarded funds must be used for programmatic activities, and allowable expenses include personnel, in state travel, supplies, and operational costs directly related to enforcement activities. There are clear restrictions on how funds may be used. Recipients are prohibited from using funds for purchasing vehicles, out of state travel, research, construction, loan interest payments, or tuition reimbursement. The program also requires adherence to established reporting and data submission protocols. Awardees must collect and analyze inspection data, report findings to the Department of Health, and participate in enforcement proceedings, including issuing summonses and attending court hearings when violations occur. These requirements ensure accountability and alignment with statewide enforcement objectives. Eligibility for this grant is limited to municipal or county governments, local health departments, and other government or state agencies operating within New Jersey, particularly those serving priority counties identified through public health data. Applicants must demonstrate organizational capacity, including experience with compliance inspections, enforcement activities, and coordination with courts or regulatory bodies. Required documentation includes proof of tax exempt status if applicable, audit reports, tax clearance certification, and organizational registration materials. The application must also include detailed program plans, staffing structures, and supporting documentation such as resumes and policies. The application process involves submission through the System for Administering Grants Electronically. Applicants are encouraged to submit a letter of intent prior to the full application, outlining key organizational details and confirming eligibility. The application itself requires a needs assessment, clearly defined objectives, detailed implementation methods, evaluation plans, sustainability strategies, and a comprehensive budget. Proposals are evaluated through a multi phase review process that includes completeness screening, panel scoring, and final decision making by program staff, with consideration given to geographic distribution and program diversity. The timeline for this funding opportunity begins with the release of the request for applications in late June, followed by a technical assistance meeting in early July and a letter of intent deadline shortly thereafter. Applications open in mid July and are due by late July. Funding decisions are expected in mid August, with the project start date set for early September. The initial project period runs through the end of June of the following year, with subsequent annual cycles continuing through the five year program duration. This structured timeline supports timely implementation and alignment with state fiscal planning.

Focus on data driven justification of priority areas demonstrate enforcement capacity and align objectives with measurable outcomes