Role of the Synar amendment in efforts to prevent tobacco addiction

Background: Tobacco addiction is the single most preventable cause of death and disease in our society. One method to reduce the prevalence of tobacco addiction is to stop the sale of tobacco to minors. The Center for Substance Abuse Prevention (CSAP) has supported State efforts to control youth access to tobacco products through the Synar Amendment for the last 10 years through the requirement of random inspections of tobacco retailers. Methods: In 1996, CSAP began requiring that States use a probability sample to conduct inspections. The Synar Amendment requires that States: (1) have a law prohibiting the sale of tobacco products to minors, (2) enforce such laws in a manner that can reasonably reduce the extent to which tobacco products are available to youth, and (3) conduct annual, random, unannounced inspections to ensure compliance with the law. CSAP has monitored and supported all 59 States and territories in their efforts to comply with these requirements. Results: Between 1997 and 2006, the national retailer violation rate has dropped 30 percentage points, from 40.1% in 1997 to 10.9% in 2006. The 2006 National Synar Rates will be released by SAMHSA/CSAP Summer 2007. Discussion: According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, the rate of cigarette use in youth age 12–17 has begun to decline (13.0% in 2002 to 10.8% in 2005). Environmental strategies such as the Synar Amendment have contributed to this decline and may continue to be an effective tool in our efforts to curb tobacco addiction.