NCJ Number
207947
Journal
Youth Violence and Juvenile Justice: An Interdisciplinary Journal Volume: 3 Issue: 1 Dated: January 2005 Pages: 78-90
Date Published
January 2005
Length
13 pages
Annotation
This study examined the tobacco advertising, promotions, and product placement among a sample of retail establishments in two rural Texas counties.
Abstract
The majority of tobacco users begin their cigarette habit during adolescence. One reason adolescents use cigarettes is the easy access they have to tobacco products. New tobacco retailer laws have placed restrictions on the sale, display, and advertising of tobacco products, although retailer compliance is notoriously low. The current study examined 409 retailers in 2 Texas counties during 2000 to measure the amount and type of tobacco advertising and to determine if the retailers were in compliance with Texas tobacco laws. Among the items assessed were promotional items, displays of signs and licenses, self-service tobacco access, and tobacco advertising within 1,000 feet of a church or school, and tobacco advertising strategies aimed at children, such as displaying advertisements near candy shelves. The results were consistent with previous research findings: storefront advertising catered to the youth and minority purchase patterns and brand preferences. Tobacco advertising, while high in all areas, was particularly high in African-American and high poverty neighborhoods. While active enforcement campaigns have reduced noncompliance with tobacco laws, tobacco advertising and noncompliance with State laws are still problematic, especially in rural areas. Tables, note, references