Non-compliance with point-of-sale tobacco regulations in Argentina

Abstract

Background In Argentina, a national law regulates tobacco marketing at points-of-sale, bans single cigarette sales, and requires ‘no sale to minors’ signage. Provinces may enact more stringent regulations, with Cordoba and La Pampa banning all tobacco advertising and the open display of tobacco products at points-of-sale. Methods We used an observational retail study to assess compliance with tobacco laws at 512 points-of-sale around schools in four cities in four provinces of Argentina: Cordoba (province of Cordoba), Quilmes (province of Buenos Aires), San Salvador de Jujuy (province of Jujuy), and Santa Rosa (province of La Pampa). Results Single cigarettes were sold in 75.2% of the points-of-sale, being more prevalent in kiosks than in neighborhood stores (OR = 0.41) and convenience stores (OR = 0.09). In 97.5% of the points-of-sale ‘no sale to minors’ signage was absent. Most (79.1%) points-of-sale openly displayed tobacco, and approximately one in ten (11.5%) had advertising for cigarettes, in cities where this is banned (Cordoba, Santa Rosa). In cities where advertising is permitted but subject to restrictions (Quilmes, San Salvador de Jujuy), 83.1% points-of-sale with adverts violated the law as the adverts were visible from outside the store. Conclusions Violations of tobacco laws in Argentina are common, with better enforcement needed.