Tobacco products are accessible to teens throughout New York State, in part due to the number of licensed retailers in New York communities. The number of licensed tobacco retailers directly affects youth smoking behaviors and youth access to tobacco products. There is currently one tobacco retailer for every 194 children in New York State. An alarming statistic considering the fact that teen smoking rates have leveled over the past year. Twenty percent of youth usually obtain their cigarettes by purchasing them in retail stores. Tobacco sales to minor are correlated with tobacco retail outlet density. Restricting the number of licensed tobacco retailer outlets is a measure that will help to prevent youth smoking.  Decreasing the number of licensed tobacco retailers in communities across New York State will also cut down on the … Read entire article »