Compliance checks for underage cigarette and alcohol purchase attempts and associated factors in retail outlets in Hawaii

Aims: Tobacco use remains the leading cause of preventable death, and alcohol is the most commonly used and abused drug among youth. Adolescents acquire cigarettes and alcohol through the retail environment. This paper investigates the relationships between underage cigarette and alcohol sales resulting from compliance checks and associated factors in Hawaii. Methods: Four hundred and two retail establishments were inspected by minors for compliance to underage cigarette and alcohol age restrictions. Findings: The overall compliance rate for selling cigarettes to a minor was 93% and alcohol was 84% from April 2012 to March 2013. There were 5.7% of stores that sold cigarettes only, 14.4% that sold alcohol only, 1.7% that sold both and 78.1% that did not sell any. No similarities between the gender of the minor or the gender of the clerk were found. Selling cigarettes and alcohol to a minor was significantly associated with whether identification or age was asked of the minor. Selling alcohol to a minor was significantly associated with smaller stores, having alcohol advertisements and correct wording on warning signs. Conclusions: Results are useful for future compliance education and enforcement and to further understand what factors may be contributing to, or preventing, underage cigarette and alcohol sales.