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In line with Article 13 of the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC), many countries have ended the open display of tobacco products in retail outlets. These policies recognise that large point-of-sale displays cue purchases among people who smoke,1 induce relapse among those trying to quit,2 and normalise smoking among young people.3 4
Industry documents reveal how tobacco companies view young people as ‘replacement smokers’, crucial to the long-term profitability of their enterprises.5 6 Point-of-sale displays played a pivotal role in encouraging transition from child-oriented products, such as confectionary, to adult products, such as tobacco.7 Figure 1, taken facing the cash register inside a small convenience store in Aotearoa New Zealand (NZ) prior to the ban on point-of-sale displays, illustrates how confectionary items created a frame that centred tobacco products. At eye level, children could see both sweets and tobacco brands; this visual juxtaposition encouraged them to view movement from confectionary to tobacco as a normal …
Footnotes
Contributors BR took the 2023 photo and after discussion with JH, JH drafted the manuscript, which BR reviewed. Both authors have reviewed and approved the final manuscript.
Funding The authors have not declared a specific grant for this research from any funding agency in the public, commercial or not-for-profit sectors.
Competing interests The authors have no competing interests to declare but note that JH co-directs the ASPIRE Aotearoa Centre, a collaboration of researchers working to support effective regulation of nicotine products. JH has received external funding from the Royal Society Marsden Fund and Health Research Council of New Zealand.
Provenance and peer review Not commissioned; externally peer reviewed.