Beyond Strong Enforcement: Understanding the Factors Related to Retailer Compliance With Tobacco 21

Abstract

Introduction Tobacco 21 (T21), which sets the minimum legal sales age for tobacco to age 21, is now a national law in the U.S. Although T21 is expected to help curb youth tobacco use, its impact may be dampened due to poor retailer compliance. Even within environments where enforcement is strong (i.e., compliance checks are conducted with tough sanctions for violations), compliance might vary due to other factors. Methods Three studies were conducted in Columbus, OH, where T21 became strongly enforced in 2018. These studies examined how retailer compliance related to features of the neighborhood in which a retailer was located (Study 1), features of the retailer (Study 2), and features of the retail cashier (Study 3). Results Study 1 found that, after controlling for race- and age-based factors, retailers located in high (vs. low) poverty neighborhoods had a lower likelihood of conducting ID checks. Study 2 found that ID checks were related to whether retailers displayed signage about T21, as required by the city law. Study 3 found that, among cashiers, T21 awareness (which was high) and perceptions about T21 (which were moderate) were not generally related to their retailer’s compliance; having (vs. not having) scanners for ID checks was related to a higher likelihood of compliance. Conclusions These studies emphasize the many, multi-level factors influencing T21 outcomes. Findings also indicate the potential for T21 to widen disparities in tobacco use, indicating the need for strategies to equitably improve T21 compliance.

A Rapid Evaluation of the US Federal Tobacco 21 (T21) Law and Lessons From Statewide T21 Policies: Findings From Population-Level Surveys

“…Among those aged 18 to 20 years, we found that state T21 policies were protective against cigarette smoking among White young adults but not among those of racial or ethnic minority groups. These findings are consistent with previous research showing weaker age verification enforcements among minority populations ( 2 , 16 , 21 ). Several factors may account for these differences in tobacco access and use, including differences in accessibility to small retail stores where age verification is less likely to be enforced, such as liquor stores, gas stations, corner stores, small kiosks, and convenience stores ( 7 , 22 , 23 ).…”

Evaluation of Restrictions on Tobacco Sales to Youth Younger Than 21 Years in Cleveland, Ohio, Area

“…38 41 found that displaying T21 signs was strongly associated with ID checks among retailers. 41 In Cleveland, this would suggest that the areas with low signage adherence may also be areas with low sales adherence, which may alter the longterm trajectories of youth tobacco use if these disparities persist.…”

“…Posting policy-relevant signs helps to foster population norms by promoting awareness by customers, store owners, managers, and employees. A 2021 study by Roberts et al 41 found that displaying T21 signs was strongly associated with ID checks among retailers. 41 In Cleveland, this would suggest that the areas with low signage adherence may also be areas with low sales adherence, which may alter the long-term trajectories of youth tobacco use if these disparities persist.…”

Retailer Compliance With Tobacco 21 in New Jersey, 2019-2020

“…The limited research on age of sale compliance is mixed but suggests that T21 is not enforced uniformly. 1 , 2 , 3 Moreover, current compliance protocols have methodological limitations that limit validity. 4 A familiarity protocol that mimics actual purchasing behaviors is recommended, including repeated visits to the same store with the same buyer.…”