Commercial Tobacco Retailers Need to Be Included in Research on Policies Restricting the Sale of Menthol Cigarettes

Abstract

Introduction: Menthol cigarettes are disproportionately marketed and advertised in the commercial tobacco retail environment in Black communities across the United States, contributing to menthol cigarette-related disparities and lower likelihood of successful quitting among Black people who smoke. Policies restricting retail sales of menthol cigarettes are aimed at preventing initiation, promoting quitting, and reducing related disparities.

Methods: Structured phone interview surveys were conducted from January to July 2021 with commercial tobacco retailers in Los Angeles County, California, unincorporated communities with a high percentage of Black residents, eight months after a local policy restricting retail sales of menthol cigarettes and other flavored nicotine and commercial tobacco products became effective on May 20, 2020. Interviews examined menthol cigarette sales restrictions-related knowledge, attitudes, and practices.

Results: Among 22 retailers interviewed, most (86.4%) reported having knowledge of the local ban on menthol cigarettes, and more than half (54.5%) reported offering price promotions for menthol cigarettes. Additionally, more than half (54.5%) reported believing customers who buy menthol cigarettes would stop smoking altogether following the ban.

Conclusions: Most retailers reported having knowledge of the menthol ban, yet half reported offering price promotions for menthol cigarettes. Findings suggest retail availability of menthol cigarettes in Los Angeles County unincorporated communities with a high percentage of Black residents, post ban. Public health and policy implications are discussed.