Controlling youth access to tobacco: a review of the literature and reflections on the New Zealand programme of controlled purchasing operations

Abstract

AbstractA literature review on the active enforcement of youth tobacco access laws was undertaken as part of an evaluation of two public health services involved in the delivery of the New Zealand programme of active enforcement. The current paper summarizes the reviewed literature and discusses the programme in light of the literature findings. It is concluded that a more comprehensive programme may increase the likelihood of successful and sustained programme outcomes. It is suggested that programme enhancements may be possible through the more strategic use of educational interventions, a greater balance between co‐operative and punitive strategies, attention to contextual influences on illegal sales, greater community participation, the licensing of tobacco retailers and the use of civil penalties for non‐compliance. The literature highlights that active enforcement alone will not reduce youth smoking and care should be taken to ensure that active enforcement strategies do not divert resources away from other strategies known to reduce youth smoking. It is hoped that the current paper will encourage further discussion about the future direction of the New Zealand programme.