Tobacco companies spend $1 million daily in New York state to get youths to use tobacco. They need thousands of “replacement” smokers every day, since numerous smokers either quit or die.
Although cigarette advertising in mass media has been limited, the tobacco companies have adapted to this and changed their approach to take full advantage of one of their last outlets to lure youths into smoking: convenience stores are effective places for exposing young people to tobacco products and advertising. The majority of youths in New York City shop at convenience stores at least once a month.
By occupying stores with colorful advertisements placed at kids’ eye-level, as well as placing tobacco products next to candy, gum and toys, they continue to focus on our youth as their next generation of customers. In the United States, tobacco kills more people each day than AIDS, alcohol, suicide, car accidents, firearms and illegal drugs combined.
We must demand that the federal government continue to provide education around the dangers of smoking and de-normalize the aggressive advertising of tobacco products.
Erin McCarron, LMSW SmokeFree Project Coordinator Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Community Center. Email her at [email protected].
