[Preventing tobacco sales to minors]

Preventing tobacco sales to minors. Since 2009, selling tobacco products in France to minors less than 18 years of age is forbidden by law, but this law is poorly enforced even though tobacco use mainly begins at adolescence. The aim of this study was to identify measures implemented by foreign countries leading to a better enforcement of tobacco sale ban to minors. The main measures are: organizing tobacco retailers training programs; using automated age-verification systems; requiring a valid photo ID from anyone who looks under the age of 25; developing communication campaigns directed to the general public in order to explain and promote age control for customers. Furthermore, in all studied countries, the only effective controls rely on "mystery shopping" with underage shoppers accompanied by dedicated inspectors, attempting to purchase tobacco products. In case of non-compliance with the law, these controls must lead to dissuasive financial as well as administrative penalties. In all studied countries, an efficient implementation of these measures has led to reduced tobacco sales to minors, and thus contributed to bring down underage smoking.