It is evident in Providence communities that tobacco products are openly advertised at store fronts and displayed on countertops; since we know that youth are much more influenced by such advertising, it means they will be more likely to end of smoking. In our neighborhoods, with high rate of unemployment and large population of low income families, single cigarettes, “loosies”, are being sold. Price sensitive young people can more easily buy loosies, (despite the fact that they are illegal) and it’s a great way to get them hooked. Youth participants of RAPS workshops on counter marketing have expressed just how easy it is for a young person to purchase cigarette at local retail stores due to the lack of monitoring by store attendants to check IDs of people purchasing cigarettes.
We want to hear from you on how Big Tobacco companies are “hooking up” with your kids. Don’t stay quiet, we want to fight the battle with you!