Work

The Relationship between Combined State and Local Tobacco Retail Licensing Laws and Retailer Density: The Case in California (2012–2021)

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: INTRODUCTION: This study examined the association between combined state and local tobacco retail licensing (TRL) laws and tobacco retailer density across all California localities from 2012 to 2021, using 2016 as a midpoint. AIMS AND METHODS: Data on licensed tobacco retailers (2012-2021) were obtained from the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration and local laws from the American Lung Association. The outcome was tobacco retailer density (retailers/1000 population). The exposure variable was a pre- and post-2016 state law (change in licensing fee and products covered), with an interaction between the strength of local city/town/unincorporated county TRL law (categorized as weak, moderate, and strong) and the exposure variable. Multilevel linear models accounted for sociodemographic factors. RESULTS: The post-2016 state law (β = -0.15, 95% CI = -0.17% to -0.13%) and strong local TRL laws were negatively associated with tobacco retailer density (β = -0.05, 95% CI = -0.09% to -0.01%). Conversely, moderate TRL laws were positively associated with tobacco retailer density (β = 0.05, 95% CI = 0.01% to 0.09%). Also, having a strong local TRL law after the state law was passed was significantly associated with lower tobacco retailer density (β = -0.17, 95% CI = -0.25% to -0.09%). There was no significant association between the state and local law interaction and any of the local-level sociodemographic variables. CONCLUSIONS: Strong local TRL laws are associated with lower tobacco retailer density when there is a comparable state law in place. IMPLICATIONS: This study shows that when combined, strong local and state tobacco licensing laws are significantly associated with lower tobacco retailer density. The findings showed that a moderate local tobacco licensing law (ie a TRL lacking important provisions, such as fines and penalties for selling to minors) may not be sufficient to reduce retailer density.

Source: Nicotine & Tobacco Research

DOI: 10.1093/ntr/ntaf174

Authors: Bukola Usidame Peters, Zixiao Wang, Megan E Roberts

Institutions: Purdue University West Lafayette, Cornell University, The Ohio State University

Language: English

Topic: Smoking Behavior and Cessation

Subfield: Physiology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDGs: Peace, justice, and strong institutions, Good health and well-being

Open Access status: green

Funders: National Institutes of Health, National Cancer Institute