The $5 man: the underground economic response to a large cigarette tax increase in New York City.
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| Title: | The $5 man: the underground economic response to a large cigarette tax increase in New York City. |
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| Authors: | Shelley D (AUTHOR), Cantrell MJ (AUTHOR), Moon-Howard J (AUTHOR), Ramjohn DQ (AUTHOR), VanDevanter N (AUTHOR) |
| Source: | American Journal of Public Health. Aug2007, Vol. 97 Issue 8, p1483-1488. 6p. |
| Subjects: | Cigarette tax, Minorities, Smoking & society, Bootlegging, Smoking cessation, Health surveys, Focus groups, Cigarette smokers, Substance abuse |
| Geographic Terms: | New York (N.Y.), New York (State) |
| Abstract: | OBJECTIVES: We examined the mechanisms by which living in a disadvantaged minority community influences smoking and illegal cigarette sale and purchasing behaviors after a large cigarette tax increase. METHODS: Data were collected from 14 focus groups (n=104) that were conducted during the spring of 2003 among Blacks aged 18 years and older living in New York City. RESULTS: A large tax increase led to what focus group participants described as a pervasive illegal cigarette market in a low-income minority community. Perceived pro-smoking community norms, a stressful social and economic environment, and the availability of illegal cigarettes worked together to reinforce smoking and undermine cessation. CONCLUSIONS: Although interest in quitting was high, bootleggers created an environment in which reduced-price cigarettes were easier to access than cessation services. This activity continues to undermine the public health goals of the tax increase. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
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| Database: | Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection |
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| Abstract: | OBJECTIVES: We examined the mechanisms by which living in a disadvantaged minority community influences smoking and illegal cigarette sale and purchasing behaviors after a large cigarette tax increase. METHODS: Data were collected from 14 focus groups (n=104) that were conducted during the spring of 2003 among Blacks aged 18 years and older living in New York City. RESULTS: A large tax increase led to what focus group participants described as a pervasive illegal cigarette market in a low-income minority community. Perceived pro-smoking community norms, a stressful social and economic environment, and the availability of illegal cigarettes worked together to reinforce smoking and undermine cessation. CONCLUSIONS: Although interest in quitting was high, bootleggers created an environment in which reduced-price cigarettes were easier to access than cessation services. This activity continues to undermine the public health goals of the tax increase. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
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| ISSN: | 00900036 |
| DOI: | 10.2105/AJPH.2005.079921 |
