Successes and challenges to voluntary policy change: The need for local legislation

Background: In 2005 the NY TCP implemented the Advertising, Sponsorship, and Promotion (ASP) initiative to counter the tobacco industry's $830 million expenditures on tobacco advertising and promotion in NY. Community contractors (29 community partnerships and 46 youth partners) advocated with store owners/managers to adopt voluntary policies to reduce or eliminate tobacco advertising in their establishments. In 2008-09, they advocated with grocery store chains to eliminate the sale of tobacco products. Methods: Community contractors enter information about their activities and outcomes into the Community Activity Tracking System (CAT). An annual observational survey of of NY tobacco retailers (RATS) documents the level of tobacco advertising and promotions at the point of sale (POS). Results: Between 2005 and 2009 community contractors increased the proportion of their efforts focused on the ASP initiative, while changing their activities from those primarily focused on community education to those focused on policy advocacy. In FY 2008-09 they reported obtaining over 500 voluntary policies and resolutions of support focused on POS advertising. However, RATS data showed no decreases in the amount of POS advertising since 2005 (baseline). In 2009 a supermarket chain stopped selling tobacco, and another put tobacco products out of sight. Conclusions: The number of tobacco retailers in NY (>19,000) makes it difficult to reach each individually. Tobacco products and industry slotting fees account for significant retailer income. The NYTCP has refocused its effort on chain grocery stores, and on advocating for local ordinances that eliminate tobacco product displays and reduce the density of tobacco retailers.