BACKGROUND: The tobacco industry exploits retail environments to sustain and expand its consumer base, particularly among youth. Industry targets points of sale near schools and youth-oriented facilities to drive early initiation and long-term dependence. New nicotine products present additional regulatory challenges, with industry actors leveraging retail loopholes to evade restrictions. Stronger supply-side measures to restrict youth exposure and access are urgently needed. This work integrates global evidence to highlight both industry tactics and innovative regulatory solutions.
METHODS: Findings are synthesised from global and country-specific analyses to assess the evolving retail landscape and current policy limitations, via a scoping review of regulatory approaches worldwide, a public perception study on retail restrictions, and an evaluation of retail policy impacts using case study analyses.
RESULTS: Findings demonstrate industry adaptation strategies, such as product placement, retailer incentives, regulatory loopholes, and undermine existing tobacco control efforts. The scoping review for solutions identifies 16 key regulatory measures, including four WHO FCTC guidelines and 12 additional national-level policies. In our case study, public support for retail restrictions is strong, with 53.1% of survey participants agreeing that such measures would reduce tobacco availability. Simulated implementation of retail regulations saw reductions in tobacco retailer numbers by 4% to 100%, particularly around youth-focused areas.
CONCLUSIONS: Stronger retail environment regulations can play a crucial role in reducing youth access to tobacco and nicotine products. Public support for such controls is evident, reinforcing the case for governments to implement and enforce comprehensive policies. Licensing schemes, retailer density caps, and zoning laws are effective countermeasures to industry influence and should complement existing tobacco control strategies. To strengthen tobacco control efforts, governments must integrate these supply-side measures into national policy frameworks. Future research should evaluate their long-term effectiveness and monitor industry responses to evolving regulations.