What factors are associated with local enforcement of laws banning illegal tobacco sales to minors? A study of 182 law enforcement agencies in california

Abstract

Objectives. The aims of this study were to understand the attitudes of local law enforcement staff regarding policies to reduce youth access to tobacco, to determine what proportion of these agencies have conducted unannounced compliance checks in the past year, and to examine factors associated with conducting compliance checks. Methods. A written questionnaire was completed by 182 law enforcement officials representing 200 cities and counties in California (some officials represented multiple jurisdictions). Logistic regression analyses were conducted to identify factors associated with conducting compliance checks. Results. Only 36% of local enforcement agencies reported conducting one or more compliance checks in the previous year. Agencies were more likely to conduct compliance checks if they perceived fewer barriers to enforcement, reported more frequent collaboration with other community agencies to enforce youth access laws, and believed that youth access to tobacco is a problem in their community. Conclusions. Because active enforcement of youth access laws using unannounced compliance checks has been shown to reduce the rate of illegal tobacco sales to minors and may reduce youth smoking, efforts to increase the level of enforcement should be promoted. These study results may be used to inform efforts to encourage local agencies to enforce existing youth access laws.