Comprehensive tobacco control policy includes prohibition of tobacco sales in specific places in order to decrease physical availability. Physical availability can be measured in terms of outlet density, meaning how many places sell tobacco per unit of population or geographic area (Cohen and Anglin, in press). Studies show an association between greater outlet density, increased youth smoking (Novak et al. 2006) and higher overall smoking prevalence (Peterson et al. 2005). The more tobacco retailers there are near a school the more likely students are to buy their own cigarettes (Leatherdale and Strath 2007). Convenience is important in determining where Canadians buy cigarettes: in a national survey, one-third of respondents, especially those aged 18 to 34, said if they had to travel further to buy cigarettes they would smoke less (Health Canada 2005).
Related publications:
- Protection from Secondhand Smoke – 2008 Monitoring Update
- Retail Display Of Tobacco Products – 2008 Monitoring Update
- Tobacco Taxes – 2008 Monitoring Update
- Tobacco Control Funding Commitments – 2008 Monitoring Update
- Youth Access to Tobacco Products – 2008 Monitoring Update
- 14th/15th Annual Monitoring Report: Indicators of Smoke-Free Ontario Progress
Date: November 2008
Type of Publication: Monitoring Update
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