Longer-Term Impact of the Flavored Tobacco Restriction in Two Massachusetts Communities: A Mixed-Methods Study

Abstract

In response to high rates of youth flavored tobacco use (including flavored vape products), federal, state, and localities have passed FTRs that reduce availability of flavored tobacco in youth-accessible stores. Previous research has found that FTRs may curb youth tobacco use in the short-term; however, the long-term effectiveness remains unknown.This is the first study to show FTRs can curb youth tobacco use and reduce youth awareness of tobacco prices and brands even 2 years after policy passage. Municipality-specific factors, including proximity to localities without FTRs, may attenuate policy impact, highlighting the importance of widespread policy adoption.