Vending Machines and Youth Access to Cigarettes in Ireland: A Cross-sectional Study

Tobacco-related morbidity and mortality significantly adversely impact public health and well-being on a global scale. Most smokers start smoking before being legally of age to smoke. Cigarette vending machines are an acknowledged access route for underage smokers to access cigarettes. Using a convenience sample, this research uses an online survey to explore the willingness of adults to purchase a vending machine token for underage smokers. Over 12% of adults reported that they would buy such a token for a 17-year-old, while another 8.6% of respondents were unsure. Analysis revealed that smoking history and age were significant factors in predicting willingness to purchase a cigarette vending machine token for an underage smoker. As cigarette vending machines remain an access route for youths to cigarettes, this research supports the forthcoming legislation banning such machines in Ireland.