Trends in age verification among U.S. adolescents attempting to buy cigarettes at retail stores, 2000-2009

- We analyzed 5 waves of the National Youth Tobacco Survey, from 2000 to 2009.
- Of all students trying to buy cigarettes, < 50% were asked for proof of age each wave.
- Of students aged < 18 years, > 60% who tried to buy cigarettes were successful each wave.
- No statistically significant trends over time in either indicator
- Intensified efforts are needed to restrict youth access to tobacco products.

ObjectiveThis study assessed trends in age verification prior to cigarette sales to U.S. middle and high school students, and refusal to sell cigarettes to students aged < 18 years during 2000-2009.MethodData were obtained from the 2000-2009 National Youth Tobacco Survey. Trends during 2000-2009 were assessed using binary logistic regression (p < 0.05).ResultThe proportion of all students, who reported being asked to show proof of age prior to a cigarette purchase in the past 30 days did not change significantly between 2000 (46.9%) and 2009 (44.9%) (p = 0.529 for linear trend). No significant trend in the proportion of students aged < 18 years who were refused a sale when attempting to buy cigarettes was observed between 2000 (39.8%) and 2009 (36.7%) (p = 0.283 for linear trend). Refusal of a cigarette sale was significantly higher among under-aged boys compared to girls (adjusted odds ratio = 1.48; 95% confidence interval: 1.28-1.70).ConclusionAbout half of U.S. middle and high school students who reported making a cigarette purchase were not asked for proof of age, and about three of five under-aged buyers successfully made a cigarette purchase in 2009. Intensified implementation and enforcement of policies requiring age verification among youths is warranted to reduce access and use of tobacco products.