The American Lung Association of California is conducting a sting program with teen volunteers to demonstrate how easily available tobacco products are to minors.

More than 475 youths ages 14 to 16 have been recruited to participate throughout the state. An additional 350 teens are needed to fully staff the program.

Under the Stop Tobacco Access to Kids Enforcement (STAKE) program, teens complete undercover field operations with the help of an adult staff investigator of the California Department of Health Services Food and Drug Branch to ensure that retailers are not selling tobacco products to minors.

The underage teen walks into retail stores, asks for cigarettes and then leaves. If a vendor sells them a tobacco product, the teens will hand over the item to the state investigator, who will issue a citation to the retailer.

Teens are given a $5 stipend per store visited, regardless of whether a sale was made.

More teens ages 14 to 16 are needed for the program. To apply, visit www.stakeact.com.