Tobacco Audits: How Retail Environments Fuel Addiction

We believe that whoever you are—no matter your race, class, job, zip code, or background—you should have the chance to live free from the harmful effects of commercial tobacco.  

Unfortunately, we know that’s not the current reality. In some communities, kids see more posters for candy-flavored tobacco and nicotine products, placed at their eye level. Certain groups experience deliberate advertising by the tobacco industry, and in some areas, vapes and tobacco products are a more common sight during a routine day.

This isn’t just a historical issue—it’s an ongoing, harmful strategy to market in low-income and racially diverse neighborhoods, where people already face barriers like stress, trauma, and fewer opportunities in housing, education, and jobs. Commercial tobacco use is often seen as a way to cope, making the problem even worse.

We wanted to understand how people in the Northeast region experience being marketed to by the tobacco industry. Through a partnership between the American Lung Association and the NE Statewide Health Improvement Partnership (SHIP), over 200 audits were conducted on retailers across seven counties. We looked at the price, placement, product, and promotion of tobacco products in small towns, rural areas, and urban neighborhoods. What we found further confirm what we already know: the environments in which commercial tobacco is sold are fueling a cycle of addiction, and the effects are not evenly felt.  

But here's the good news: addiction doesn’t have to be the norm. We can break the cycle.

When people make decisions about their health, their choices are shaped by what’s available in their community—and what’s available can be influenced by local policies. Many cities and counties across Minnesota have passed regulations that give everyone a fair chance to live commercial tobacco-free. Restrictions like these can save lives. Learn more about what you and your community can do.

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