@article {Smith703, author = {Elizabeth A Smith and Ruth E Malone}, title = {An argument for phasing out sales of cigarettes}, volume = {29}, number = {6}, pages = {703--708}, year = {2020}, doi = {10.1136/tobaccocontrol-2019-055079}, publisher = {BMJ Publishing Group Ltd}, abstract = {The successes of tobacco control in some countries and locales have led to discussions of ending the tobacco epidemic, often called the {\textquoteleft}endgame{\textquoteright}. In this paper, we recommend articulating the endgame goal as phasing out sales of cigarettes, a goal once called {\textquoteleft}unthinkable{\textquoteright}. We develop a logic and argumentation for ending cigarette sales intended to move the discussion beyond the shadow of {\textquoteleft}prohibition{\textquoteright}, proposing an approach that appeals to consumer protection standards and suggesting that the effort be led by low-prevalence communities. While phasing out cigarettes will not happen everywhere all at once, and may unfold differently along several lines, we argue that the gradual phase-out approach we propose will reduce the likelihood of the negative consequences often predicted to come with such a policy. To continue permitting widespread sales of the single most deadly consumer product in history is a public health failure that must be addressed.}, issn = {0964-4563}, URL = {https://tobaccocontrol.bmj.com/content/29/6/703}, eprint = {https://tobaccocontrol.bmj.com/content/29/6/703.full.pdf}, journal = {Tobacco Control} }