YOUTH ACCESS TO TOBACCO: Policies and Politics

Abstract

The late 1980s marked the beginning of a sea change in research and intervention on tobacco use by young people, when the first studies were published demonstrating the ease with which adolescents could purchase cigarettes. Since then concern with the commercial availability of tobacco products to youth has grown, becoming deeply entrenched in both research and policy efforts. This paper reviews the history of restrictions on youth access to tobacco, the evidence that commercial sources of tobacco are available and important to adolescents, and the rationale for various components of policies to restrict access. We also review the recent expansion of policies addressing youth access to tobacco at all levels of government, the tobacco industry response to this expansion, and issues that have arisen as this expansion has developed.

E-cigarette Availability and Promotion Among Retail Outlets Near College Campuses in Two Southeastern States

“…One observational study was conducted in the United Kingdom and found widespread availability and point-of-sale advertising in retailers that sold tobacco and alcohol (Hsu, Myers, Ribisl, & Marteau, 2013). The extensive literature on conventional cigarettes suggests environmental factors, such as advertising and price, can influence initiation, progression, and cessation of tobacco use (Carter, Phan, & Mills, 2013;Forster & Wolfson, 1998;McLaughlin, 2010;Warner, 2006;Wilson et al, 2012). Research also suggests that college students are targeted by tobacco companies, as this is the youngest population they can legally market to (Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, 2005;Katz & Lavac, 2002;Rigotti, Moran, & Wechsler, 2005).…”

Tobacco compliance check in Hong Kong

“…It is widely believed that active enforcement could increase compliance rates (Forster & Wolfson, 1998;Gemson, Moats, Watkins, & Ganz, 1998;Jason, Billows, Schnopp-Wyatt, & King, 1996;Rigotti, DiFranza, Chang, & Tisdale, 1997). For instance, the U.S. experience provides insights in this context.…”

Adults buy cigarettes for underaged youths

“…8,9,11 The reason may be that youths now obtain tobacco from social sources such as adult relatives, friends, and strangers. 6,8,[10][11][12][13][14][15] Such widespread social availability of tobacco undermines primary prevention efforts with retailers, 9,11 may facilitate smoking among young persons, 9 and hence requires new interventions and policies. 10,14 If these interventions and policies are to be effective, data are needed on the adults who purchase tobacco for youths and on the frequency with which they do so.…”