The tobacco endgame: a qualitative review and synthesis

Abstract

The tobacco endgame concept reorients discussion away from the persistent control of tobacco toward plans for ending the tobacco epidemic, and envisions a tobacco-free future. A variety of policy approaches have been proposed, with many offered prior to the introduction of the unifying term ‘endgame’. We conducted a qualitative synthesis of the literature on tobacco control endgames, and drew on media accounts and discussion of analogous ideas for illustrative purposes. We identified proposals focused on the product, user, market/supply or larger institutional structures. Research on public support for these proposals was limited, but suggestive of some public appetite for endgame ideas. Advocates should be encouraged to explore new policy options and consider the goal of a tobacco-free future.

Tobacco control in Europe: a policy review

“…In conclusion, we have the knowledge and instruments to stop the epidemic of tobacco-related diseases but we need strong and consistent political commitment to initiate and sustain the endgame of the tobacco epidemic [1,39]. In this context, medical professionals need to play their role in full, and contrast in a transparent and effective way the interference of the tobacco industry [2].…”

Restricting tobacco sales to only pharmacies as an endgame strategy: are pharmacies likely to opt in?

“…'tobacco endgame strategies') have emerged in the literature, and have been politically explored in some settings. 1 The particular idea of completely changing the current tobacco retail landscape, by way of designating tobacco sales to pharmacies only, gained wide international media attention when a private member's bill was introduced in the Icelandic Parliament in 2011. 2 Albeit not implemented to date, this proposed bill involved a 10-year action plan wherein the number of current outlets selling tobacco (e.g.…”

Commentary on Lipperman‐Kreda et al. (2016): Robust methods with a weak outcome measure still lead to consistent conclusions—even so, it may be time for recommendations to move from traditional tobacco control strategies to a relevant endgame strategy

“…Tobacco end-game concepts are designed to switch the discussion from simply trying to control tobacco use to implementing actions that eliminate tobacco use in future generations [11]. The recommendations made by Lipperman-Kreda et al [1] align with the more traditional paradigm of trying to control tobacco use, as they conclude that future efforts should focus upon controlling the density and location of retailers and more effective enforcement of underage sales laws.…”

“…One emerging end-game proposal relevant to the work presented here is restricting tobacco sales by year born (i.e. no one born after 2000 is ever legally allowed to purchase tobacco products) [11]. This would create a tobacco-free generation, it would make it substantially easier to control and enforce the sale of tobacco products from retailers (e.g.…”