Background Materials

Responses to Misleading Arguments and Information on the Impact of Local Ordinances Targeting the Point of Sale

Updated Jan. 25, 2017

Public health efforts to protect youth from the tobacco industry in the point-of-sale environment are gaining momentum nationwide. The tobacco industry is organizing to oppose these efforts. For example, the National Association of Tobacco Outlets (NATO) and cigar and smokeless tobacco company Swedish Match recently launched a website for retailers with misleading arguments and information on the impact of local ordinances targeting the point of sale. The website is called Tobacco Ordinances – Take Another Look (TOTAL) and addresses policies related to price, flavored products, legal minimum sale age of 21, and others.

The industry’s arguments do not withstand scrutiny. Below are documents responding to the industry’s false and misleading materials.

Responses to Misleading NATO/Swedish Match Arguments

Raising the Tobacco Sale Age to 21

Regulating Package Size and Setting a Minimum Price Will Help Reduce Cigar Use Among Kids

Flavored Tobacco Sales Restrictions Benefits Public Health

Prohibitings Price Promotions and Coupon Redemptions Benefit Public Health

Local Tobacco Taxes Benefit Public Health