Why the Tobacco Retail Environment Matters
In 2012, a report from the U.S. Surgeon General showed that:
"...the industry's extensive use of price-reducing promotions has led to higher rates of tobacco use among young people[i]" Evidence shows that coupons also encourage new smokers to smoke more often, thereby entrenching their addiction.[ii] - See citation
Tobacco is still the leading cause of death in Oregon. Tobacco companies spend over $100 million per year in Oregon’s retail environment to market their products to Oregon kids and teens, and to make it harder for people who smoke to quit. To learn more about how the tobacco industry markets its products in Oregon, and what Oregonians are doing to create a smoke-free Oregon, visit www.smokefreeoregon.com.
Compliance with the Law
Tobacco and inhalant delivery system retailers are responsible for complying with tobacco sales laws in Oregon.
Best Practice/Approach to Prevention
Laws that prohibit sales to minors are important, but alone, will not keep kids from using tobacco and nicotine products.
Evidence shows that to prevent youth initiation of tobacco products, communities must take a comprehensive approach that includes reducing youth exposure to products that are sweet, cheap, and easy to get. To find out more about what Oregon communities are doing to reduce youth tobacco use, visit www.smokefreeoregon.com.
Visit CounterTobacco.org for resources to counteract tobacco product sales and marketing at the point of sale in your community.
Citation
[1] U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Office of the Surgeon General. Preventing Tobacco Use Among Youth and Young Adults: A Report of the Surgeon General (2012) (Page 8). http://www.surgeongeneral.gov/library/reports/preventing-youth-tobacco-use/full-report.pdf. Accessed April 3, 2015.