A Study of the Distribution of Illegal Sales Outlets of Tobacco Products to Minors in Southern Taiwan

Introduction: Statistics revealed that the percentage of convenience stores, supermarkets, betel nut stalls, and grocery shops that illegally sold tobacco products to minors is high in Taiwan. It is critical to prevent tobacco hazards to minors. The aim of the study is to evaluate the distribution of illegal sales outlets of tobacco products in minors among retailers in southern Taiwan.

Methodology: A cross-sectional design was used in this study. The survey testers were university students older than 18 years and attired in senior high school uniforms to disguise themselves as senior high school students. They were assigned to test whether tobacco retailers confirmed customers’ ages before selling tobacco products. The survey investigations were conducted from March 2015 to August 2015.

Results: The investigation covered 327 retailers, comprising 98 convenience stores, 115 grocery shops, and 114 betel nut stalls. The results revealed that among the 327 retailers, 239 (73.0%) failed to confirm that the buyer was at least 18 years of age before allowing the purchase. Age confirmation before tobacco sale was frequent in urban areas compared with coastal regions and mountain regions (F = 8.372, P < .01).

Conclusion: This study proposes establishing self-management strategies for compliant and noncompliant retailers to prevent illegal sale of tobacco products to minors.