4005.0: Tuesday, October 23, 2001 - Board 1

Abstract #22116

A summary of the scope and intensity of the penalty and enforcement structures mandated in state youth access to tobacco laws

Regina el Arculli, MA1, Lisa Lineberger2, and Jamie F. Chriqui, PhD, MHS2. (1) Office of Legislation and Congressional Activities, National Cancer Institute, Building 31, Room 10A-35, 31 Center Drive, MSC 2580, Bethesda, MD 20892-2580, (301) 402-6511, elarculli@nih.gov, (2) Legislative Analysis Group, The MayaTech Corporation, 8737 Colesville Road, 7th Floor, Silver Spring, MD 20910-3921

The public health and tobacco control literature have illustrated the difficulties in reducing minors' access to tobacco products. While state laws designed to restrict minors' access to tobacco products are considered only a small part of a comprehensive tobacco control program aimed at reducing minors' access to tobacco, without the necessary enforcement the youth access laws are often ineffective.

This presentation seeks to provide an overview of the scope and intensity of the penalty and enforcement provisions of state youth access laws. Specifically, using data from the National Cancer Institute's (NCI) State Cancer Legislative Database (SCLD) Program, we will review the variations in the penalty and enforcement provisions addressing the following youth access provisions: sale/ purchase/possession by or to minors, out-of-package sale of tobacco products, access to vending machines, and the distribution of tobacco product samples to minors. The presentation will assess the relative stringency of the penalty structures by provision based on requirements for graduated fines, vendor license sanctions, the degree of civil or criminal charges, and provisions providing affirmative defenses for violations of the state law. Variations in state enforcement authority requirements also will be specified.

See www.scld-nci.net

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this presentation, participants will be able to: (1) identify the scope of state penalty and enforcement schemes, and (2) determine the states with penalty structures that likely deter repeat offenses and/or may potentially contribute to a reduction in tobacco use by minors.

Keywords: Tobacco Legislation, Public Policy

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: National Cancer Institute State Cancer Legislative Database
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: National Cancer Institute/Employee

The 129th Annual Meeting of APHA