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Exploring Impacts of Taxes and Hospitality Bans on Cigarette Prices and Smoking Prevalence Using a Large Dataset of Cigarette Prices at Stores 2001–2011, USA

Author

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  • Lance S. Ballester

    (Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
    These authors contributed equally to this work.)

  • Amy H. Auchincloss

    (Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
    These authors contributed equally to this work.)

  • Lucy F. Robinson

    (Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA)

  • Stephanie L. Mayne

    (Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA)

Abstract

In the USA, little is known about local variation in retail cigarette prices; price variation explained by taxes, bans, and area-level socio-demographics, and whether taxes and hospitality bans have synergistic effects on smoking prevalence. Cigarette prices 2001–2011 from chain supermarkets and drug stores ( n = 2973) were linked to state taxes ( n = 41), state and county bar/restaurant smoking bans, and census block group socio-demographics. Hierarchical models explored effects of taxes and bans on retail cigarette prices as well as county smoking prevalence (daily, non-daily). There was wide variation in store-level cigarette prices in part due to differences in state excise taxes. Excise taxes were only partially passed onto consumers (after adjustment, $1 tax associated with $0.90 increase in price, p < 0.0001) and the pass-through was slightly higher in areas that had bans but did not differ by area-level socio-demographics. Bans were associated with a slight increase in cigarette price (after adjustment, $0.09 per-pack, p < 0.0001). Taxes and bans were associated with reduction in smoking prevalence and taxes had a stronger association when combined with bans, suggesting a synergistic effect. Given wide variation in store-level prices, and uneven state/county implementation of taxes and bans, more federal policies should be considered.

Suggested Citation

  • Lance S. Ballester & Amy H. Auchincloss & Lucy F. Robinson & Stephanie L. Mayne, 2017. "Exploring Impacts of Taxes and Hospitality Bans on Cigarette Prices and Smoking Prevalence Using a Large Dataset of Cigarette Prices at Stores 2001–2011, USA," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 14(3), pages 1-15, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:14:y:2017:i:3:p:318-:d:93581
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    References listed on IDEAS

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