Cigars, youth, and the Internet link

Objectives study examined the accessibility and appeal to youth of cigar ma rketing sites on the Internet. Methods. Sites marketing cigars (n = 141) were examined for age restriction s, prices, health warnings, and other elements. Results. Although it is illegal for miners to purchase tobacco, only 36 sir es (25.5%) prohibited purchases by miners. Sites offered low prices, and 32 % accepted money orders, cashier's checks, or cash-on-delivery (COD) orders . Almost 30% of the sites included elements with potential youth appeal; on ly 3.5% displayed health warnings. Conclusions, The unregulated promotion of cigars on the Internet has the po tential to attract youth, and there are few barriers to Internet tobacco pu rchases by miners.