BACKGROUND: Tobacco retailers play a dual role in tobacco control: they act as the gateway for the supply and promotion of tobacco products and are instrumental in implementing tobacco control measures in the retail environment. This scoping review synthesises the global evidence base on tobacco retailers' attitudes towards selling tobacco, tobacco control measures, and the potential phase out of tobacco retailing.
METHODS: We searched eight databases covering health, social science, and business disciplines to identify peer reviewed qualitative and quantitative research (2000–July 2024) conducted with retailers from various store types. The review followed the JBI Scoping Review Methodology and the PRISMA-ScR checklist for reporting scoping reviews.
RESULTS: Fifty-two studies were included, with the USA (29%) and India (21%) contributing the most research. Most retailers demonstrated a strong understanding of existing tobacco control measures, although knowledge varied by country and retailer demographics. Retailers largely opposed tobacco control policies such as taxes, product display bans, underage sales restrictions, and standardised tobacco packaging. Despite recognising tobacco as a low-profit product for their business, most retailers cited customer attraction and retention as key reasons for continuing tobacco sales. Ten studies from high-income countries (Australia, New Zealand, and the USA) indicated that stringent tobacco control measures, along with personal ethical considerations, were key factors motivating retailers to discontinue tobacco sales. This review underscores that in addition to regulatory pressures, voluntary cessation of tobacco sales can be encouraged through appealing to personal values, ethical concerns, and incentives, supported by education and retailer engagement. These could also be used to inform communications about government-led phase outs of tobacco retailing.
CONCLUSIONS: Tobacco retailers typically hold negative attitudes about tobacco control regulations. However, messaging that highlights personal ethical and business reasons for not selling tobacco could increase support among retailers for ending tobacco sales.