The more tobacco retailers youth are exposed to, the more likely students will try vaping or smoking. Research shows that tobacco marketing and advertisements makes youth 60% more likely to try tobacco products.
Tobacco products tend to be more accessible in low-income neighborhoods and communities of color. With more tobacco retailers in these neighborhoods, there is more tobacco advertising at stores and tobacco products are often sold at lower prices. This issue makes it harder for individuals to quit smoking due to constant exposure to tobacco products.
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A survey conducted with 10th and 12th graders in Fresno County found that of students who bought vapes, 1 in 5 purchased them from a local store.
Changing the environment where we live and what we are exposed to will help reduce tobacco use.
The Problem
In the City of Fresno there are 436 tobacco retailers. 259 retailers are within 500 feet from another retailer.
How to Address This
Limiting how close a tobacco store is to another and the number of stores available in a community can reduce youth’s access to tobacco products.
The Problem
The cheapest pack of cigarettes in East Fresno was $2.37 and in North Fresno the cheapest pack of cigarettes were $7.79.
How to Address This
Setting a minimum price for certain tobacco products can stop people from trying tobacco products, decrease use of tobacco products, and encourage people to quit tobacco use.
The Problem
Flavored products are more common in low income communities. The majority of stores in West and East Fresno offer a variety of flavored tobacco products, such a dulce de leche, horchata, and more.
How to Address This
Eliminating the sale of flavored tobacco at local stores will make the available tobacco products in the community less appealing for youth.
Click HERE to learn more about the CA flavors ban.
The Problem
The majority of tobacco retailers in low-income communities in Fresno offer a lot more promotions and discounts including mobile coupons for tobacco products. These tactics make tobacco products easier to access by price sensitive shoppers such as youth.
How to Address This
Removing promotions or discounts on tobacco products can help make them less affordable and therefore, less accessible.
Check out our Resources to learn more about how to limit youth access to tobacco products. We’re happy to help you start this process.
1221 Fulton Street, 3rd Floor, Fresno CA 93721
(559) 600-6449 • DPHTobaccoFree@fresnocountyca.gov
Hours of Operation: Monday – Friday 8:00am – 5:00pm
ENGLISH
1-800-300-8086
SPANISH
1-800-600-8191
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