Restricting minors' access to tobacco: a review of state legislation, 1991

Currently, 46 states and the District of Columbia prohibit the sale of tobacco products to minors, and the minimum age requirement differs by state. In general, these laws are poorly enforced and inadequately prevent youth from obtaining tobacco. According to a four-part classification scheme used in this article, no states have comprehensive laws banning access to tobacco, four states have moderate laws, 37 states and the District of Columbia have basic laws, five states have nominal laws, and the remaining four states have no regulations. We recommend 11 important elements for laws that would adequately restrict minors' access to tobacco products.