Availability of tobacco products to minors.

Availability of tobacco products is a key factor in the initiation of smoking or use of smokeless tobacco by minors. Existing laws limiting such use are usually not enforced. The ability of minors to purchase tobacco products in Wichita, Kansas, was compared with results in previous reports. In a variety of retail stores, access to both cigarettes and smokeless tobacco was found to be significantly less than that found in other studies. Vending machines, however, were universally accessible. Sufficient retail outlets allowed purchase to ensure that minors who are determined to buy could supply themselves with tobacco. Strategies to limit the access of tobacco to minors are discussed.