Description of Strategy
Vending machines potentially provide unrestricted cigarette access to minors. Policymakers, researchers, and citizens recognize the need to limit minors’ access to tobacco by restricting the sale of cigarettes through vending machines (Forester, Hourigan, & Kelder, 1992). Restrictions can include banning the sale of tobacco in vending machines or installing vending machine lockout devices. As of June 22, 2010, federal law prohibits vending machines or self-service sales of tobacco products except in places where minors under 18 years of age are not allowed to enter (U.S. Food and Drug Administration, 2012).
Wyoming permits the sale of cigarettes in vending machines if the machine is located in a place where persons under the age of 18 are not permitted access or in a place of business, office, or factory that is not open to the general public (Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 14-3-303, 2017).
Discussion of Effectiveness
Tobacco
Evidence supports the effectiveness of instituting policies concerning vending machines to decrease cigarette sales to minors. Evidence suggests vending machine bans are more effective than locking devices (Foster, Hourigan, & Kelder, 1992).