Reducing Youth Access to Tobacco by Prohibiting the Sale of Flavored, Single, Cheap Cigars: A Resource for Legislative Action
Introduction
This website is designed to assist policymakers, public health officials, youth educators and youth in their efforts to improve public health by prohibiting the sale of single, cheap cigars and flavored cigars.Tobacco control policies have historically focused on reducing the consumption of cigarettes.These policies have been successful in that studies show a steady decrease in cigarette use. Unfortunately, cigars have remained virtually unregulated and as a result have become the product of choice for many consumers, especially younger consumers who increasingly purchase single cigars for immediate consumption. This statement is supported by national statistics which show that cigar use by teens is on the rise.
- Between 1998 and 2006, small cigar consumption increased by 154 percent.
- Of cigar sales in 2007, small cigar sales represented 94%.
- Also in 2007, a Center for Disease Control survey showed that 11% of Maryland high school students smoked cigars, cigarillos, or little cigars at least once during the 30 days before the survey.
That these cigars retail for less than $1, are available in candy and alcohol flavors, and enjoy a relatively low tax as compared to cigarettes only increases their popularity among youth. Given the lack of regulation of cigar sales, it is not surprising that cigar smoking prevalence remains constant nationally and is increasing in many urban areas. By instituting a prohibition on flavored cigars and a minimum packaging requirement on cheap cigars, such legislation aims to put these products out of the reach of many teens and young adults.
The materials available through this website were compiled as part of the efforts by the Center for Tobacco Regulation to enact minimum packaging legislation and legislation prohibiting the sale of flavored cigars at both the state and local level in Maryland. As such, the materials cite Maryland specific data. It is our hope that other jurisdictions that wish to consider adopting single cigar legislation or legislation prohibiting the sale of flavored cigars use this website as a guide by using information specific to their jurisdiction. This website also offers information on other efforts to reduce youth access to tobacco, such as the taxation and warning label requirements associated with single, flavored cigars.
Understanding Tobacco Products
For a description of the various types of tobacco products discussed throughout this website visit Maryland T.R.A.S.H. and for a brief description of current youth cigar use visit gethealthyclarkcounty.org.
Understanding Cigar Regulation
This chart illustrates that, as compared to cigarettes, cigars remain virtually unregulated.
What You Can Do…
As a policymaker or public health official
As a youth educator or young adult
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