Policies to reduce availability of tobacco products in the retail environment

Abstract Background After implementation of a tobacco vending machine ban in 2022 and supermarket sales 2024, the Dutch government intends to further phase out after 2030 by prohibiting petrol stations small outlets. This study aims understand 1) impact these policies on outlet availability, 2) differences availability area socioeconomic status (SES) Netherlands. Methods Between September 2019 June 2020, all potential retailers four cities (Amsterdam, Eindhoven, Haarlem, Zwolle) were visited mapped using Global Positioning System (GPS). Expected reductions calculated per policy measure. Tobacco density was ESRI ArcMap version 10.4.1. The association between neighbourhood SES estimated with linear logistic regression model. Results We identified 870 outlets an 6.2/10.000 capita. bans would reduce number (resp. -7% -43%) -0.4 -2.7). In Zwolle, neighbourhoods high-SES compared low-SES less likely contain (OR:0.71, 95%CI:0.59-0.85) had lower (ß:-1.20, 95%CI:-2.20;-0.20). Amsterdam, associations inverse (OR:1.22, 95%CI:1.05-1.40; ß:3.50, 95%CI:0.81;6.20). Conclusions varies within depending distribution built environment. Future control targeting retail environment should focus limiting overall especially outlets, which may benefit low mid-sized most.