Cigars, youth, and the Internet link.

Abstract

This study examined the accessibility and appeal to youth of cigar marketing sites on the Internet. Sites marketing cigars (n = 141) were examined for age restrictions, prices, health warnings, and other elements. Although it is illegal for minors to purchase tobacco, only 36 sites (25.5%) prohibited purchases by minors. Sites offered low prices, and 32% accepted money orders, cashier's checks, or cash-on-delivery (COD) orders. Almost 30% of the sites included elements with potential youth appeal; only 3.5% displayed health warnings. The unregulated promotion of cigars on the Internet has the potential to attract youth, and there are few barriers to Internet tobacco purchases by minors.