The Relationship between Combined State and Local Tobacco Retail Licensing Laws and Retailer Density: The Case in...

This study examined the association between combined state and local tobacco retail licensing (TRL) laws and tobacco retailer density across all California localities from 2012 to 2021, using 2016 as a midpoint.

Data on licensed tobacco retailers (2012-2021) were obtained from the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration and local laws from the American Lung Association. The outcome was tobacco retailer density (retailers/1000 population). The exposure variable was a pre- and post-2016 state law (change in licensing fee and products covered), with an interaction between the strength of local city/town/unincorporated county TRL law (categorized as weak, moderate, and strong) and the exposure variable. Multilevel linear models accounted for sociodemographic factors.

The post-2016 state law (β = -0.15, 95% CI = -0.17% to -0.13%) and strong local TRL laws were negatively associated with tobacco retailer density (β = -0.05, 95% CI = -0.09% to -0.01%). Conversely, moderate TRL laws were positively associated with tobacco retailer density (β = 0.05, 95% CI = 0.01% to 0.09%). Also, having a strong local TRL law after the state law was passed was significantly associated with lower tobacco retailer density (β = -0.17, 95% CI = -0.25% to -0.09%). There was no significant association between the state and local law interaction and any of the local-level sociodemographic variables.

Strong local TRL laws are associated with lower tobacco retailer density when there is a comparable state law in place.

This study shows that when combined, strong local and state tobacco licensing laws are significantly associated with lower tobacco retailer density. The findings showed that a moderate local tobacco licensing law (ie a TRL lacking important provisions, such as fines and penalties for selling to minors) may not be sufficient to reduce retailer density.