Other Policy

Reports

Learn how to keep pharmacies tobacco free and model ordinance: Tobacco retailer licensing
ChangeLab Solutions has released a fact sheet explaining the concerns associated with tobacco sales at pharmacies. The fact sheet titled “A Prescription for Health: Tobacco Free Pharmacies” outlines reasons health advocates oppose the sale of tobacco in pharmacies and how communities can reduce pharmacy tobacco sales. ChangeLab Solutions has also published a model ordinance and associated plug-in for tobacco retailer licensing that has a section on tobacco-free pharmacies. The model ordinance contains all the essential elements for a local tobacco retailer licensing policy, including descriptions of who must obtain a license, requirements and prohibitions for licensees, enforcement provisions, and penalties. Click here to view fact sheet, the model ordinance, and associated plug-ins.

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State Policy

Interactive tobacco map provides latest data on state smoking laws
The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation has released updated versions of interactive tobacco maps that were first released in March 2010. The maps allow policymakers, tobacco control program managers, and policy advocates to view state progress on key tobacco control policies. The maps are divided into three data categories to provide a state-by-state breakdown of smoke-free laws, cigarette tax rates, and tobacco control spending relative to CDC recommendations from 1998 to 2013. The maps were updated in August 2013 and use data from the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids and the Americans for Nonsmokers’ Rights. Click here to read more and view the updated maps.

Massachusetts bill would ban e-cigarette sales to minors (MA)
Massachusetts legislators are considering a bill that will prohibit the sale of tobacco or nicotine delivery products, including e-cigarettes, to minors and would also apply existing smoke-free laws in public and workplaces to prohibit electronic cigarette use. Currently, minors in Massachusetts are restricted from purchasing cigarettes, but can purchase e-cigarettes unless local laws regulate against the sale of the devices to minors. Approximately 24 cities and towns in Massachusetts have regulations on the sale and use of e-cigarettes. While public health advocates and e-cigarette groups alike support the state’s attempt to limit e-cigarette use among youth, e-cigarette user groups have expressed concerns that the restrictions of where e-cigarettes can be used will force e-cigarette users outdoors into smoke-filled environments. Click here to read more.

NC law takes effect banning e-cigarettes to minors (NC)
This summer, a law prohibiting the sale of electronic cigarettes to minors went into effect in North Carolina. North Carolina lawmakers passed the bill in June, which defines e-cigarettes as tobacco products, thus including electronic nicotine delivery devices in state tobacco regulations. The penalty for retailers who are caught selling e-cigarettes to minors will be the same as other tobacco products, including cigarettes. Approximately a dozen states have similar laws prohibiting e-cigarette sales to minors. Proponents of the law say there is no strong evidence regarding the safety of e-cigarettes and their use as a cessation device. Click here to read more.

Mayor Emanuel asks Board of Health to take action aimed at curtailing menthol cigarette use among Chicago youth
Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel recently called upon the city’s Board of Health and the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) to prevent and reduce menthol cigarette use among Chicago’s youth. As a response, the Chicago Board of Health and CDPH will host town hall meetings on menthol cigarette use and will launch a tobacco prevention ad campaign in October that focuses on menthol cigarette use. Mayor Emanuel argued that menthol cigarettes will attract youth who would otherwise not smoke and limiting menthol cigarette use will have a positive effect on the Chicago community as a whole. His statement comes after a recent U.S. Food and Drug Administration report detailing the public health impacts of menthol cigarettes. The Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids issued a statement applauding the mayor for his effort to protect Chicago youth from the health risks associated with menthol cigarettes. To read more, click here. Click here to view a statement from the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids.

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National Policy

Report shows majority of states falling short on policies to fight and prevent cancer
The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS-CAN) recently published a report titled “How Do You Measure Up?: A Progress Report on State Legislative Activity to Reduce Cancer Incidence and Mortality.” The annual report outlines ten specific policy standards that state legislatures can implement to fight cancer. Report findings show there is still much progress to be made on policies to prevent cancer. Thirty-eight states have reached benchmarks in three or fewer of the ten policies measured by the report. Similarly, twelve states and the District of Columbia met between four and six of the benchmarks, and no states met seven or more. The report also discusses tobacco excise taxes, indicating that only three states (California, Missouri, and North Dakota) have not raised their cigarette tax in the past ten years. The ten recommended actions from the annual report include comprehensive smoke-free laws, tobacco prevention and cessation program funding, and tobacco taxes. Click here to read a statement from the ACS-CAN, or click here to view the full report.

Panel backs lung cancer screening for smokers
In July, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force issued a draft recommendation directing that annual lung cancer screening be provided to those who are at high risk for the disease, including current and former heavy smokers. Specific recommendations from the Task Force include low-dose CT scans as screening for current and former smokers, age 55-80, with a history of heavy smoking. The recommendation was open for public comment earlier this summer, and, if finalized, will clear the way for insurers to cover CT scans. The recommendation will also provide guidance to physicians regarding who can benefit from lung cancer screening. Click here to read a bulletin from the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force or click here to read the draft recommendation.  Click here to read a statement from the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids applauding the draft recommendation.

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International

Introduction effects of the Australian plain packaging policy on adult smokers: a cross-sectional study (Australia)
A new study in BMJ Open adds to the growing body of evidence on Australia’s plain cigarette packaging law. Researchers examined whether smokers who smoke from plain cigarette packs had different smoking beliefs and thoughts on quitting compared to smokers who smoke from branded packs. Study participants were divided into two groups – plain cigarette pack and branded cigarette pack – and measured on several primary outcome measures relating to smoking appeal. Researchers found plain cigarette packaging was associated with lower smoking appeal, specifically lower perceived quality and less perceived satisfaction. Study findings support policy around plain cigarette packaging in Australia. Click here to read more or click here to view the study abstract.

USTR abandons plan to protect tobacco control measures under Trans-Pacific Partnership Trade Agreement
The Obama administration is being criticized by public health groups for backing away from a measure that would prevent tobacco industry interference in international trade laws. With a deadline for finalizing an agreement this month, the United States Trade Representative (USTR) is continuing negotiations in the Trans-Pacific Partnership, a trade deal with a dozen Pacific nations. Previously, a provision in the deal created a “safe harbor” for tobacco control policies, with strong language indicating that countries’ authority to pass tobacco control measures could not be contested under the agreement. New language currently being discussed does not provide the same far-reaching legal protections for nations attempting to enforce tobacco control laws. Click here for more details, or click here to read a statement from several public health groups expressing disappointment with USTR’s decision to abandon the original proposal, calling the USTR’s decision a missed opportunity for the U.S. to lead global tobacco control efforts.

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