Restricting the sale of tobacco products only in tobacconists: a necessary measure to strengthen the National Tobacco Control Policy

Abstract

Objective To investigate and analyze current legislation, existing experiences and scenarios regarding the restriction of the sale of tobacco products only in tobacconists, in order to prepare recommendations for the public authorities, aiming to strengthen the National Tobacco Control Policy. Method Scope review conducted according to the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology, based on the PRISMA Checklist and Explanation framework. The databases used were the Virtual Health Library (BVS), Epistemonikos, Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences Literature (LILACS), Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System (MEDLINE) via Pubmed, SCIELO electronic library, SCOPUS, Web of Science, Digital Library of Theses and Dissertations (BDTD) and Johns Hopkins. Data collected in March 2021, considering studies published from January 2005 to December 2020. Articles and academic research developed in the Brazilian scenario and published between January 1994 and December 2020 were included. Results Low-income neighborhoods generally have a higher density of tobacco outlets and have higher rates of tobacco use, leading to health inequities. Studies indicate that children are more likely to smoke when they live or go to school in neighborhoods with a high density of tobacco retailers. Conclusion This study shows that it is necessary to set up the sale of tobacco products exclusively in tobacconists in Brazil, but such establishments would be subject to a new legal order to be instituted at the national level.