Cigarette sales to African-American and White minors in low-income areas of Baltimore

Objectives. This study documented illegal sales of cigarettes to minors in low-income African-American and White urban areas in East Baltimore. Methods. Six youths, aged 14 through 16 years, were sent to a random sample of 83 comer stores to attempt to purchase cigarettes. The youths provided the investigators with data on merchant, store, and purchase characteristics. Results. The youths successfully purchased cigarettes in 85.5% of the stores; 58% of the stores displayed five or more cigarette advertisements outside their premises. Conclusions. Cigarette sales to minors and associated advertising remain prevalent in this urban community.