Research Opportunities Concerning Youth and the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act

Enactment of the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act creates a number of research opportunities, some of which are mandated by the statute. The Act establishes Food and Drug Administration jurisdiction over tobacco and reestablishes the FDA regulations initially issued in 1996 concerning the sale of tobacco to minors. The public health value of enforcing restrictions on the sale of tobacco to minors is now well established, but many questions remain regarding the most efficient approach to enforcement. Evaluations are needed concerning the effectiveness of restrictions on the distribution of free samples, restrictions on advertising of cigarettes to youth, and enforcement of sales restrictions on Indian lands. The potential impact of raising the minimum age for tobacco sales to 21 years needs investigation. Legal and regulatory strategies to encourage tobacco manufacturers to take responsibility for keeping their products out of the hands of children need to be explored.