The tobacco industry lures shoppers to purchase its products spending billions of dollars nationally on slick marketing and advertising techniques.
Nowhere is that more evident than Multnomah County. A recent analysis conducted by its Health Department, in collaboration with Upstream Public Health and the Oregon Health Equity Alliance studied 411 retail stores that sell tobacco products. The report highlighted the availability of tobacco and e-cigarette products and advertising in stores throughout the county in an effort to better understand the local tobacco retail environment. Tobacco use is the leading preventable cause of death in Multnomah County
Among its findings:
- Two-thirds (67 percent) of retailers had exterior advertisements for tobacco which could be seen by shoppers as well as people who do not shop at the store.
- Inside the stores, 18 percent displayed tobacco within 12 inches of products sold to youth (toys, candy, slushy/soda machine, or ice cream). Studies have shown adolescents who are exposed to tobacco advertising and promotional activities are more likely to start smoking
- Almost three-quarters (74 percent) of stores that sold cigarettes offered some kind of a price discount.
- The number of tobacco retailers per capita was higher in neighborhoods with a higher percentage of populations of color. Historically, the tobacco industry has targeted advertising to specific racial and ethnic populations, and smoking rates are higher in some of these populations.
- More than one-third (37 percent) of tobacco retailers in Multnomah County are located within 1000 feet of a school. Surveys of adult smokers show that the vast majority (90 percent) started using tobacco when they were under 18 years old.
- Almost all tobacco retailers (96 percent) sold cigarettes, including all convenience stores. More than 90 percent of convenience stores also sold little cigars, smokeless tobacco, and electronic cigarettes. Retailers often sold these products in flavors that appeal to youth, such as clown candy, root beer, and yummy gummy
- Possible law violations were observed in a number of stores.
- Self-service displays of tobacco products were found in 21 stores where state law requires tobacco sales to be vendor-assisted.
Tobacco use is the leading preventable cause of death in Multnomah County and the findings from this analysis will be used to inform policy changes designed to reduce tobacco and nicotine use and exposure, according to county officials.
That report also revealed the actual sales to minors through June 30, 2015
Diane can be reached at [email protected].
