Raising the legal age to buy tobacco reduces smoking among young adults

A recent systematic review of the literature[1], conducted by researchers at the University of Nottingham in the UK, shows that increasing the minimum legal age to 20 years and above for purchasing tobacco can contribute to a significant reduction in cigarette sales and smoking rates among young adults.

The review, which analyzed 23 studies, examines the effects of this policy on reducing cigarette sales and smoking prevalence among 18-20 year olds, particularly in the United States, which first introduced the "Tobacco 21" legislation.[2] at the local level, before it became federal law in 2019.

Reduction in sales and smoking among 18-20 year olds

The results reveal that increasing the minimum age for purchasing tobacco to 21 years led to a decrease in sales of cigarettes and other tobacco products and a reduction in smoking rates among 18-20 year olds. The study also shows that this policy can help reduce health inequalities, particularly by reaching young adults from disadvantaged socio-economic backgrounds or with low levels of education. Indeed, these young people from more precarious social categories are more likely to benefit from the protective effects of this legislation.

However, the impact on younger adolescents (11-17 years) appears to be more limited, with low-quality evidence of a reduction in smoking rates in this age group. The authors consider the effect of this measure on this age group to be more indirect, as some of these young minors can no longer circumvent the ban by resorting to 18-20 year-olds. They also point out that the effect of the measure is long-term, that of the denormalisation of these products.

A model to follow beyond the United States

Although most of the studies analyzed come from the United States, other countries such as Singapore, Thailand and New Zealand have adopted similar policies to restrict access to tobacco among young adults. The United Kingdom is also considering adopting a similar policy by banning the sale of tobacco to people born after 2009, as part of its “tobacco-free generation” project.[3].

Legislation and public health: a global strategy

The results of this review highlight the importance of raising the minimum legal age for tobacco purchase as a public health tool. Limiting young people's access to tobacco products is a key factor in preventing smoking initiation and reducing its long-term effects. This measure is part of a comprehensive strategy that integrates other measures such as tax increases, extension of smoking bans, product regulation, etc.

However, further research is needed in other contexts outside the United States to better assess the impact of this policy in diverse social and cultural environments.

©Tobacco Free Generation

RK

[1] Nathan Davies, Ilze Bogdanovica, Shaun McGill, Rachael L Murray, What is the Relationship Between Raising the Minimum Legal Sales Age of Tobacco Above 20 and Cigarette Smoking? A Systematic Review, Nicotine & Tobacco Research, 2024;, ntae206, https://doi.org/10.1093/ntr/ntae206 (accessed 09/25/2024)

[2] https://www.congress.gov/bill/116th-congress/house-bill/2411/text (accessed 09/25/2024)

[3] https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/tobacco-and-vapes-bill-factsheets/tobacco-and-vapes-bill-smokefree-generation-factsheet (accessed 09/25/2024)