State Preemption of Local Tobacco Control Policies Restricting Smoking, Advertising, and Youth Access—United States, 2000–2010

August 26, 2011 / Vol. 60 / No. 33

MMWR Introduction

Preemptive state tobacco control legislation prohibits localities from enacting tobacco control laws that are more stringent than or that vary from state law. From 2000 to 2010, there was no progress in reducing the number of states which preempt stronger local restrictions on tobacco advertising or youth access to tobacco products. This stands in sharp contrast to the marked progress achieved over the past decade in reducing the number of states which preempt local smoking restrictions from 18 states to 12 states.

Like smoking restrictions, restrictions on advertising and youth access are important components of a comprehensive approach to tobacco prevention and control. Evidence has shown that comprehensive restrictions on tobacco advertising reduce tobacco consumption and restrictions on youth access to tobacco products with strong community mobilization, can reduce underage tobacco sales and youth tobacco use.