[How to reduce illegal sales of tobacco to minors?]

Of the tobacco consumed by young people between the ages of 13 and 17 in Norway, 75% is bought by minors. The Ministry of Health has requested the tobacconist's trade association to improve the enforcement of the 18-year age limit for the purchase of tobacco. After identifying 122 scientific articles through searches in Medline and Sociological Abstracts, we have reviewed the scientific literature on the effects of compliance-enhancing measures designed by the authorities in other countries. Four types of measures, including sanctions against tobacconist, have been used to improve age limit compliance. Voluntary agreements lead to higher tobacconist compliance; however, 20% of them still sell tobacco to minors. This is enough for young people not to report changes in availability or changes in smoking habits. Frequent spot tests, threats of fines or the revoking of licence have led to fewer young smokers. We conclude that the present Norwegian efforts at increasing tobacconist compliance are unlikely to lead to fewer smokers among minors.