1
|
Raskind IG, Lee JGL, Henriksen L. Underage Sales of Tobacco in Dollar Stores and Top Grocery Stores, 2015-2020, U.S. Am J Prev Med 2023; 65:313-316. [PMID: 37479422 PMCID: PMC10363749 DOI: 10.1016/j.amepre.2023.02.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2022] [Revised: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 02/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/23/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Youth access to tobacco in retail settings remains a pressing public health concern and may vary across retail corporations. This study compares underage sales violation rates in tobacco-selling dollar store corporations-a rapidly growing retail segment where cheaper tobacco prices may appeal to youth-with rates in other major grocery corporations. METHODS In 2021, U.S. Food and Drug Administration data (N=64,059 inspections) from January 2015 to March 2020 were used to compare underage tobacco sales in the two major tobacco-selling dollar store corporations, Dollar General and Family Dollar, with sales in major grocery corporations: Albertsons, Delhaize, Kroger, Publix, and Walmart. Generalized linear mixed models controlled for neighborhood characteristics. Post hoc analyses examined whether the corporation with the highest violation rate was more likely to be in neighborhoods with higher proportions of racially minoritized residents, socioeconomic disadvantage, or rural status. RESULTS Family Dollar failed 12.1% of underage sales inspections. All other corporations had a significantly lower likelihood of selling tobacco to an underage buyer than Family Dollar. This significant association persisted after controlling for neighborhood characteristics. Family Dollar locations were associated with being in neighborhoods with higher proportions of racially minoritized residents and greater socioeconomic disadvantage. CONCLUSIONS Regulating corporate behavior is necessary to reduce underage access to tobacco in dollar stores and address place-based inequities in youth tobacco access. Increasing the use of U.S. Food and Drug Administration no-tobacco-sale orders and Assurances of Voluntary Compliance, which provide a mechanism for state attorneys general to engage with tobacco retailers regarding enforcement of minimum legal sales age laws, may help to reduce youth tobacco access in retail settings.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ilana G Raskind
- Stanford Prevention Research Center, Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, California.
| | - Joseph G L Lee
- Department of Health Education and Promotion, College of Health and Human Performance, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina; Center for Health Disparities, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina
| | - Lisa Henriksen
- Stanford Prevention Research Center, Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, California
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Romm KF, Wang Y, Schleicher NC, Pannel A, Williams R, Berg CJ, Henriksen L. Rates of Age Verification for Cigarette and E-cigarette Purchases as a Function of State T21 Laws Before and After Implementation of the Federal T21 Law in the United States. Nicotine Tob Res 2023; 25:1386-1390. [PMID: 36943250 PMCID: PMC10256877 DOI: 10.1093/ntr/ntad044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2022] [Revised: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 03/17/2023] [Indexed: 03/23/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION In the US, having a 21 minimum legal sales age for tobacco (T21) at the state level may have impacted age verification of cigarette and e-cigarette purchases among U.S. young adults (ages 18-26), before and/or after federal T21 implementation. AIMS AND METHODS This study examined this by analyzing data from cigarette and/or e-cigarette users (n = 618 and n = 864) in six metropolitan areas in six states. Participants reported frequency of being age verified ("almost always" vs. less frequently) for cigarette and/or e-cigarette purchases across 3 timepoints (ie, wave 1 [w1]: September-December 2018, w2: September-December 2019, and w3: September-December 2020). Multilevel modeling examined time-varying state T21 status and time (reflecting federal T21 implementation) in relation to age verification of cigarette and e-cigarette purchases, respectively. RESULTS The proportions almost always age verified for cigarette purchases in states with T21 versus without were: W1: 38.5% versus 37.7%, w2: 33.0% versus 39.1%, and w3: 45.4% versus 30.6%. For e-cigarettes, the proportions were: W1: 30.6% versus 40.3%, w2: 42.3% versus 50.5%, and w3: 56.0% versus 58.3%. In multilevel modeling, state T21 status was associated with greater likelihood of age verification for e-cigarettes (aOR = 1.67, CI = 1.13 to 2.45), but not for cigarettes. Age verification increased over time for e-cigarettes-both accounting for and not accounting for state T21 status. There were no changes for cigarettes. CONCLUSIONS State T21 status and time correlated with age verification for e-cigarettes, but not cigarettes. These self-reported age verification data contribute to evidence from compliance checks, indicating that retailers require additional prompts and enforcement to enhance compliance with T21 laws. IMPLICATIONS Current findings suggest that variations in regulations and gaps in enforcement may hinder the potential impact of increasing the minimum legal sales age, which ultimately may undermine the promise of such policies, specifically with regard to preventing tobacco use among the underage. Therefore, it is crucial to monitor retailer compliance with T21 laws and evaluate their efficacy to increase ID checks, minimize illegal sales, and curb underage use of tobacco. Relatedly, particular attention to enforcement efforts that may promote compliance is warranted.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Katelyn F Romm
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
- TSET Health Promotion Research Center, Stephenson Cancer Center, Univeristy of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Yan Wang
- Department of Prevention and Community Health, Milken Institute School of Public Health, George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Nina C Schleicher
- Stanford Prevention Research Center, Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Alexandria Pannel
- Department of Global Health, Milken Institute School of Public Health, George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - River Williams
- Department of Global Health, Milken Institute School of Public Health, George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Carla J Berg
- Stanford Prevention Research Center, Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, USA
- George Washington Cancer Center, George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Lisa Henriksen
- Stanford Prevention Research Center, Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Do EK, Aarvig K, Donovan EM, Schillo BA, Vallone DM, Hair EC. Underage Youth Continue to Obtain E-Cigarettes from Retail Sources in 2022: Evidence from the Truth Continuous Tracking Survey. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:1399. [PMID: 36674152 PMCID: PMC9859475 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20021399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2022] [Revised: 01/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
(1) Background: This study aims to describe the primary sources of e-cigarettes among young people and to explore how these sources may differ by individual-level characteristics. (2) Methods: Data were obtained from a cross-sectional, continuous tracking survey of participants. The analytic sample includes current e-cigarette users (aged 15-20 years) surveyed from January to August 2022 (N = 1296). Respondents provided information on e-cigarette source of acquisition, device type, and flavors used, as well as sociodemographic and residential characteristics. Chi-square tests were used to determine differences in source of acquisition by age, gender, race/ethnicity, United States (US) census region, urban-rural classification, flavors used, and device type. (3) Results: Although most current e-cigarette users obtained their devices through a social source (56.9%), a considerable proportion obtained e-cigarettes from a retail source (43.1%). The primary retail sources of e-cigarette acquisition were vape shops (22.0%) and gas station/convenience stores (15.9%). Source of e-cigarette acquisition differed by age, gender, US census region, flavors used, and device type, such that a lower proportion of those who were younger, female, residing in the West, and used vape pens had reported obtaining e-cigarettes via retail sources. (4) Conclusions: Results indicate that a significant proportion of youth report obtaining e-cigarettes from retail sources, despite the federal, state, and local policies that prohibit the sale of any tobacco products to those under the age of 21. Comprehensive retail regulations to help restrict tobacco product access are needed to reduce e-cigarette use among young people.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth K. Do
- Schroeder Institute, Truth Initiative, Washington, DC 20001, USA
- Milken Institute School of Public Health, George Washington University, Washington, DC 20052, USA
| | - Kathleen Aarvig
- Schroeder Institute, Truth Initiative, Washington, DC 20001, USA
| | - Emily M. Donovan
- Schroeder Institute, Truth Initiative, Washington, DC 20001, USA
| | | | - Donna M. Vallone
- Schroeder Institute, Truth Initiative, Washington, DC 20001, USA
- Department of Health, Behavior and Society, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
- School of Global Public Health, New York University, New York, NY 10003, USA
| | - Elizabeth C. Hair
- Schroeder Institute, Truth Initiative, Washington, DC 20001, USA
- Department of Health, Behavior and Society, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
- School of Global Public Health, New York University, New York, NY 10003, USA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Henriksen L. Retail-focused tobacco control: equity and endgame implications. Tob Control 2022; 31:e96-e98. [DOI: 10.1136/tc-2022-057771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
|
5
|
Duan Z, Wang Y, Romm KF, Henriksen L, Schleicher NC, Berg CJ. State T21, Restrictions on Flavored E-Cigarette Products, and Non-Medical Cannabis Sales Legalization in Relation to Young Adult Reports of Vape Shop Age Verification and Product Offerings: A Multilevel Analysis. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:15079. [PMID: 36429798 PMCID: PMC9690108 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192215079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2022] [Revised: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 11/11/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Vape shop practices related to age verification and product offerings (e.g., other tobacco, cannabis), which may affect young-adult tobacco/substance use, are likely impacted by state-level policies (i.e., Tobacco 21 [T21], flavored e-cigarette restrictions, non-medical cannabis legalization). Using data from young adults (18-34 years) in 6 US states representing variability in whether/when they implemented the aforementioned policies, this study focused on past 6-month e-cigarette users who visited vape shops (Wave 1 [W1]: September-December 2018, n = 1127; W2: September-December 2019, n = 702; W3: September-December 2020, n = 549). Multilevel modeling examined T21 in relation to participants' reports of age verification at last vape shop visit (among those < 27), and flavor restrictions and cannabis legalization in relation to noticing other tobacco or cannabis products at last visit. At W1-W3, 69.7%, 78.7%, and 75.8% of participants < 27 reported age verification, and participants increasingly noticed other tobacco (W2: 36.9%; W3: 48.6%) and cannabis products (W1: 25.8%; W2: 41.3%; W3: 58.3%). State T21 was unrelated to age verification (aOR = 1.19, 95%CI = 0.80-1.79); flavored e-cigarette restrictions correlated with noticing other tobacco products (aOR = 1.96, 95%CI = 1.10-3.51); flavored e-cigarette restrictions (aOR = 2.26, 95%CI = 1.57-3.24) and cannabis legalization (aOR = 2.84, 95%CI = 1.78-4.51) correlated with noticing cannabis products. Regulatory efforts must be informed by ongoing surveillance of such policies and their impact.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zongshuan Duan
- Department of Prevention and Community Health, Milken Institute School of Public Health, George Washington University, Washington, DC 20052, USA
| | - Yan Wang
- Department of Prevention and Community Health, Milken Institute School of Public Health, George Washington University, Washington, DC 20052, USA
| | - Katelyn F. Romm
- TSET Health Promotion Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
| | - Lisa Henriksen
- Stanford Prevention Research Center, Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA
| | - Nina C. Schleicher
- Stanford Prevention Research Center, Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA
| | - Carla J. Berg
- Department of Prevention and Community Health, Milken Institute School of Public Health, George Washington University, Washington, DC 20052, USA
- George Washington Cancer Center, George Washington University, Washington, DC 20052, USA
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Duan Z, Romm KF, Henriksen L, Schleicher NC, Johnson TO, Wagener TL, Sussman SY, Schillo BA, Huang J, Berg CJ. The Impact of Recent Tobacco Regulations and COVID-19 Restrictions and Implications for Future E-Cigarette Retail: Perspectives from Vape and Vape-and-Smoke Shop Merchants. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:3855. [PMID: 35409539 PMCID: PMC8997836 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19073855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2022] [Revised: 03/04/2022] [Accepted: 03/22/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tobacco regulations and COVID-19 state orders have substantially impacted vape retail. This study assessed vape retailers' perspectives regarding regulations and future retail activities. METHODS In March-June 2021, 60 owners or managers of vape or vape-and-smoke shops (n = 34 vs. n = 26) in six US metropolitan areas completed an online survey assessing: (1) current and future promotional strategies and product offerings; and (2) experiences with federal minimum legal sales age (T21) policies, the federal flavored e-cigarette ban, and COVID-19-related orders. Quantitative data were analyzed descriptively; qualitative responses to open-ended questions were thematically analyzed. RESULTS Most participants had websites (65.0%), used social media for promotion (71.7%), offered curbside pickup (51.7%), and sold CBD (e.g., 73.3% vape products, 80.0% other); many also sold other tobacco products. Knowledge varied regarding state/local policies in effect before federal policies. Participants perceived tobacco regulations and COVID-19 orders as somewhat easy to understand/implement and perceived noncompliance consequences as somewhat severe. Qualitative themes indicated concerns regarding regulations' negative impacts (e.g., sales/customer loss, customers switching to combustibles), insufficient evidence base, challenges explaining regulations to customers, and concerns about future regulatory actions. CONCLUSIONS Surveillance of tobacco retail, consumer behavior, and regulatory compliance is warranted as policies regarding nicotine and cannabis continue evolving.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zongshuan Duan
- Department of Prevention and Community Health, Milken Institute School of Public Health, George Washington University, Washington, DC 20052, USA; (K.F.R.); (C.J.B.)
| | - Katelyn F. Romm
- Department of Prevention and Community Health, Milken Institute School of Public Health, George Washington University, Washington, DC 20052, USA; (K.F.R.); (C.J.B.)
| | - Lisa Henriksen
- Stanford Prevention Research Center, Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA; (L.H.); (N.C.S.); (T.O.J.)
| | - Nina C. Schleicher
- Stanford Prevention Research Center, Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA; (L.H.); (N.C.S.); (T.O.J.)
| | - Trent O. Johnson
- Stanford Prevention Research Center, Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA; (L.H.); (N.C.S.); (T.O.J.)
| | - Theodore L. Wagener
- Center for Tobacco Research, Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH 43210, USA;
| | - Steven Y. Sussman
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90032, USA;
| | | | - Jidong Huang
- Department of Health Policy & Behavioral Sciences, School of Public Health, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA 30303, USA;
| | - Carla J. Berg
- Department of Prevention and Community Health, Milken Institute School of Public Health, George Washington University, Washington, DC 20052, USA; (K.F.R.); (C.J.B.)
- George Washington Cancer Center, George Washington University, Washington, DC 20052, USA
| |
Collapse
|