Is there anything the industry wouldn't do to get addictive products in front of our kids?
Tobacco companies spend billions to put their products in front of our kids in stores.
And the more kids see tobacco, the more likely they are to start smoking.
The industry uses menthol flavor to recruit a new generation of smokers.
Menthol makes products smoother and better tasting, so they’re easier to start and harder to quit.
Effective Policy Solutions
Policy, system and environmental change are tools to change the places where people live to make the healthy choice the easy choice. To reduce harmful exposure to tobacco marketing and access to these dangerous & addictive products, communities may regulate where, what and how tobacco is sold.
A. Limit the NUMBER of places where products may be sold
The ubiquitous presence of tobacco retailers gives the impression that tobacco is available and accessible, especially among youth. Tobacco use decreases when people need to make a greater effort to find and obtain tobacco products.
Communities can set a maximum number of (capping) outlets within a jurisdiction.
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Where it's been done: CITY OF CORTLAND, Village of Dolgeville, New York City, City of Newburgh, Ulster County, Town of Bethlehem, Village of Endicott, Town of Salina
B. Limit the LOCATIONS where sales are permitted
Reducing the prevalence of tobacco sales near youth-centered places, such as schools, reduces youth exposure to pro-tobacco marketing. Limiting tobacco sales near youth-oriented venues not only removes environmental cues to use tobacco, but also limits opportunity for underage purchases, including students enlisting adults to purchase for them.
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Where it's been done: CITY OF CORTLAND, Ulster County, Town of Irondequoit, City of Newburgh, Sullivan County, Village of Dolgeville, Village of Tannersville, City of Binghamton, Town of Bethlehem, Town of Niskayuna, Nassau County, City of Syracuse
C. Prohibit the sale of ALL FLAVORED tobacco products
The industry uses flavors to increase the appeal of tobacco products, especially to youth. Flavors make tobacco products easier to use because they mask the harshness of tobacco and chemical additives.
Since 2009, the tobacco companies have been prohibited from selling flavored cigarettes in the United States (except menthol). While New York State law prohibits the sale of flavored products with nicotine, other flavored products are available including smokeless tobacco, cigars, cigarillos, and so-called 0mg nicotine flavored vaping products.
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Where it's been done: New York City (except menthol- or mint-flavored products). *NYC advocates are campaigning to remove menthol- or mint-flavored
Click here for flavored tobacco policy resources from Truth Initiative