A comparison of the advertising and accessibility of cigars, cigarettes, chewing tobacco, and loose tobacco

Background Tobacco products were compared in regard to their price, point-o f-purchase advertising, accessibility to shoplifters, and rate of sale to m iners. Methods. An experimental design compared the rates of illegal sales to mine rs of cigarettes, chewing tobacco, and cigars. Observational surveys of 102 stores measured the number of advertisements for four tobacco products, th e manner in which products were displayed, and their accessibility to shopl ifters. Results. Illegal sales rates were similar for cigarettes, chewing tobacco, and cigars. Cigars were the least expensive. Cigarettes were the most heavi ly advertised product, followed by chewing tobacco, cigars, and loose tobac co. Cigarettes were the most accessible to shoplifters. All types of tobacc o products were displayed to permit the package to serve as advertising. Conclusions. Point-of-purchase advertising for cigars may be increasing, an d their lower price makes them more affordable to youths. Food and Drug-Adm inistration regulations that limit point-of-purchase advertising for tobacc o products should be expanded to include cigars. Manufacturers pay retailer s for the placement of product displays that allow the package to be used a s an advertisement without the appearance of the Surgeon General's warning. Generic packaging may be necessary to protect children from point-of-purch ase advertising. (C) 1999 American Health Foundation and Academic Press.