Health

Cigarette sales to youths declining

NEWS IN BRIEF — Posted Jan. 3, 2005

Print  |   Email  |   Respond  |   Reprints  |   Like Facebook  |   Share Twitter  |   Tweet Linkedin

Retailers continue to reduce sales of tobacco to children and teens younger than 18, according to data from the federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.

Overall, the national retailer violation rate dropped to 13% in reports submitted by states, down from 14% in 2003 and 40% since the annual surveys began in 1996.

The findings are based on reports submitted by states in response to federal law established in 1992 restricting access to tobacco by teens younger than 18. The law, known as the Synar Amendment, requires states and U.S. territories to enact and enforce youth tobacco access laws; conduct annual random, unannounced inspections of tobacco outlets; achieve negotiated annual retailer violation targets; and attain a final goal of 20% or less for retailer noncompliance.

"States that meet their Synar goals share certain characteristics," said SAMHSA Administrator Charles Curie. "Generally these states employ a comprehensive strategy that combines vigorous enforcement efforts, political support from the state government and a climate of active social norms that discourage youth tobacco use."

The survey showed that 48 states achieved the goal of retailer sales of cigarettes to minors of no more that 20%, and 38 states achieved a retailer violation rate of no more than 15%.

Note: This item originally appeared at http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2005/01/03/hlbf0103.htm.

Back to top


ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISE HERE


Featured
Read story

Confronting bias against obese patients

Medical educators are starting to raise awareness about how weight-related stigma can impair patient-physician communication and the treatment of obesity. Read story


Read story

Goodbye

American Medical News is ceasing publication after 55 years of serving physicians by keeping them informed of their rapidly changing profession. Read story


Read story

Policing medical practice employees after work

Doctors can try to regulate staff actions outside the office, but they must watch what they try to stamp out and how they do it. Read story


Read story

Diabetes prevention: Set on a course for lifestyle change

The YMCA's evidence-based program is helping prediabetic patients eat right, get active and lose weight. Read story


Read story

Medicaid's muddled preventive care picture

The health system reform law promises no-cost coverage of a lengthy list of screenings and other prevention services, but some beneficiaries still might miss out. Read story


Read story

How to get tax breaks for your medical practice

Federal, state and local governments offer doctors incentives because practices are recognized as economic engines. But physicians must know how and where to find them. Read story


Read story

Advance pay ACOs: A down payment on Medicare's future

Accountable care organizations that pay doctors up-front bring practice improvements, but it's unclear yet if program actuaries will see a return on investment. Read story


Read story

Physician liability: Your team, your legal risk

When health care team members drop the ball, it's often doctors who end up in court. How can physicians improve such care and avoid risks? Read story

  • Stay informed
  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • RSS
  • LinkedIn