Abstract
BackgroundAssessing public opinion towards tobacco policies is important, particularly when determining the possible direction of future public health policies. The aim of this study was to describe the implementation of tobacco retailer licensing systems by state and territory governments in Australia, and to use the National Drug Strategy Household Survey (NDSHS) to assess levels of public support for a retailer licensing system in each jurisdiction over time and by a range of socio-demographic and behavioural attributes.MethodsNational and state/territory estimates of public support for a tobacco retailer licensing system were derived as proportions using NDSHS data from 2004 to 2016. The effect of one’s jurisdiction of residence on the likelihood of supporting such an initiative in 2016 was assessed using logistic regression while controlling for various socio-demographic and behavioural characteristics.ResultsPublic support for a tobacco retailer licensing system ranged from a high of 67.2% (95% CI 66.5–67.9%) nationally in 2007 and declined to 59.5% (95% CI 58.9–60.2%) in 2016. In 2016, support was greatest amongst those from Tasmania, those aged 50 years and older, females, those from the least disadvantaged areas, those living in major cities, never-smokers and never-drinkers. After adjusting for the socio-demographic and behavioural attributes of respondents, those from Queensland were significantly less likely to support a licensing system (adjusted OR = 0.85, 95% CI 0.77–0.94) compared to those from other jurisdictions, while those from Tasmania were significantly more likely to support a licensing system compared to those from other jurisdictions (adjusted OR = 1.29, 95% CI 1.09–1.52).ConclusionsA clear majority of the public support a tobacco retailer licensing system, regardless of whether or not such a system is already in place in their jurisdiction of residence. Tobacco control initiatives other than a retailer licensing system may explain some of the residual variations in support observed between jurisdictions.
Highlights
Assessing public opinion towards tobacco policies is important, when determining the possible direction of future public health policies
All Australian states and territories required tobacco wholesalers and retailers to pay a fee based on the percentage of the value of tobacco products sold until this regulatory approach was declared constitutionally invalid in 1997
The QLD Government held an inquiry into tobacco retailer licensing in 2016, but legislation has not been introduced at this stage [17]
Summary
Assessing public opinion towards tobacco policies is important, when determining the possible direction of future public health policies. The aim of this study was to describe the implementation of tobacco retailer licensing systems by state and territory governments in Australia, and to use the National Drug Strategy Household Survey (NDSHS) to assess levels of public support for a retailer licensing system in each jurisdiction over time and by a range of socio-demographic and behavioural attributes. Licensing or registration is mandatory across all jurisdictions of Australia for a number of occupations where public health or safety is a concern, including electricians, civil engineers, dentists, pharmacists, doctors, alcohol retailers, food handlers and gaming operators, this is not the case for tobacco retailers [7, 8]. Several researchers have suggested that licensing tobacco retailers can have a beneficial impact on population health when used to regulate the number of retailers, to prevent underage sales, to improve compliance with existing legislation, and as a means to reduce density and proximity in lower socioeconomic (SES) neighbourhoods and near schools [9, 10]
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