Developing an educational campaign to remove tobacco from pharmacies in King County, Washington

Reducing the number of tobacco retailers in King County would decrease the availability of tobacco to youth from direct sales and possibly from social sources who obtain tobacco at local retailers. It would also reduce the amount of point-of-sale advertising for tobacco and increase the costs of purchasing tobacco, which could motivate people to quit. In a 2006 survey of tobacco retailers conducted by the Tobacco Prevention Program at Public Health – Seattle & King County (TPP), 81% of respondents thought that tobacco was a “Very harmful” product compared to 37% for alcohol and 17% for foods high in fat, sugar, and sodium. A portion, 21%, reported that store management would be likely to consider discontinuing tobacco sales. A few national retail chains have set the example of voluntarily ceasing the sale of tobacco (e.g., Target in 1996 and Wegmans in 2008) for either business or ethical reasons. TPP conducts at least 1200 yearly compliance and education visits with tobacco retailers about sales to minors. This year, TPP will introduce information on deciding to stop selling tobacco to these visits. Pharmacies are the first priority for this outreach because they are health-oriented businesses. In spring 2008, TPP will survey King County pharmacies on their knowledge, attitudes, and practices around tobacco sales and about product decision-making in the store. TPP will use the results to shape an education campaign directed at pharmacies that sell tobacco. The desired outcome of the campaign is that these stores elect to take tobacco off their shelves.