Tobacco 21 Laws in Europe: A Policy Whose Time Has Come. Issue 7 (22nd October 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Levy, David T; Meza, Rafael
• Is Part Of: Nicotine & tobacco research. Volume 22:Issue 7(2020)
• Page Start: 1250
• Page End: 1251
• Publication Date: 2019-10-22
• Subjects: Nicotine -- Periodicals; Tobacco -- Research -- Periodicals; Tobacco habit -- Periodicals; Nicotine -- Periodicals; Tobacco -- Periodicals; Smoking -- Periodicals; 613.85
• DOI: 10.1093/ntr/ntz197
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1462-2203

Abstract

Abstract: Introduction: A 21 tobacco age of sale has been proposed for European nations. Methods: We briefly review past studies of underage purchase policies and their enforcement. Results: Past evaluations and modeling studies indicate important public health gains from 21 tobacco age of sale laws. However, further attention should be given to issues of compliance, the availability of social sources, and the breadth of coverage. In particular, the application of the law to e-cigarettes merits further attention. Conclusions: Past literature indicates potential benefits of a 21 tobacco age of sale in terms of reducing tobacco use in European nations. Implications: We review past studies of underage purchase laws, and the potential implications of applying that law to e-cigarettes. Past studies indicate the effectiveness of raising tobacco age of sale laws to 21. This law should be implemented and enforced in Europe.