Back to Annual Meeting Page		American Public Health Association 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition December 10-14, 2005 Philadelphia, PA

Abstract #116505

Phoebe Butler-Ajibade, EdD, Department of Human Performance and Leisure Studies, North Carolina A & T State University, Corbett Gym, Room 202, Greensboro, NC 27411, 336-334-7712, pbajibad@ncat.edu

Alcohol and tobacco remain leading behavioral causes of death and disability in the United States. The display units for alcohol and tobacco in convenience stores has been supersized. Young people, aged 15-24, have easy access to these products through convenience stores and gas stations. The marketing of these products which includes where the items are placed and how they are displayed can increase the interest in and/or likelihood of purchasing the items. According to youth focus groups, underage persons get alcohol and tobacco from two primary sources: commercial venues (such as liquor retailers who fail to check proper identification), and people of legal drinking age who provide alcohol and or tobacco to underage youth. This study examined the types of alcohol and tobacco products sold in convenience stores; their placement in convenience stores, pricing, and promotions in North Carolina and Virginia using observational data collection. The findings and their implications suggest advocacy for improvements in policy to reduce underaged alcohol, tobacco, and drug use and abuse.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant will in this session will be able to

(
• Describe where alcohol, tobacco, and supplements are placed in convenience stores. (
• Compare where these items are placed in comparison with health-promoting substances (i.e. water, fruit, and condoms). (
• Evaluate what measures are employed by convenience stores to prevent underaged purchasing of these items.

Keywords: Alcohol, Tobacco

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

I wish to disclose that I have NO financial interests or other relationship with the manufactures of commercial products, suppliers of commercial services or commercial supporters.