The Center for Public Health Systems Science (CPHSS), funded by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) State & Community Tobacco Control (SCTC) Research Initiative, has developed a series of case studies on communities that have passed point-of sale-policies. CPHSS is pleased to release Reducing Cheap Tobacco & Youth Access: New York City, the third and latest in the series. Other case studies include Prohibiting Price Discounting in Providence, Rhode Island and Regulating Pharmacy Tobacco Sales in Massachusetts.

This case study presents policy progress in New York City (NYC), focusing on its two comprehensive point-of-sale policies: the first, Tobacco 21, which raised the minimum age to purchase tobacco and e-cigarettes from 18 to 21; and the second, Sensible Tobacco Enforcement, which restricted price discounts, set minimum price and packaging requirements, and increased enforcement and penalties for tax evasion. It also provides an explanation of the policies’ impacts on public health, legal considerations, and lessons learned.

DOWNLOAD THE FULL REPORT HERE.

Highlights from Reducing Cheap Tobacco & Youth Access: New York City include:

• How the health department took advantage of existing data, partnered with local governmental agencies, and learned from the policy successes of neighboring cities
• The vital role of a local coalition that raised awareness of the problem and solution by engaging community partners and policymakers through youth-driven campaigns
• How tobacco control supporters won out over concerns about the economic impact and legal challenges fueled by the tobacco industry
• A ‘lessons learned’ section which allows other communities to learn from NYC’s experience in their attempts to pass similar point-of-sale policies

For more examples of how to develop, pass, and implement effective policies, run successful media and awareness campaigns, and fight the “War in the Store,” visit our Stories from the Field page.