Tobacco Control Measures in New York State Dramatically Decrease Smoking Rates

A new report published by the New York State Department of Health documents the remarkable success of the state tobacco control program on youth and adult smoking. Over the past 10 years, New York state has implemented a set of evidence-based tobacco control policies, including:

• A smoking ban in all work and public places, including bars and restaurants, enacted in 2003;
• High tobacco taxes – the state cigarette excise tax increased from $1.11 per pack in 2000 to $4.35 per pack in 2010; and
• Ongoing tobacco control mass media campaigns educating the public about the harms of tobacco.

Study Findings

Between 2000 and 2010, smoking declined:

• from 10.2% to 3.2% among middle school students,
• from 27.1% and 12.6% among high school students,
• from 33% to 23.1% among young adults, and
• from 21.6% to 18% among all adults.

In 2010 there were almost 400,000 fewer adult smokers in New York State than in 2000.

Key Messages

• Strong tobacco control policies like significant tax increases and 100% smoke-free environments for all work and public places prevent youth from smoking and help smokers quit.

Additional Resources

• New York State Tobacco Control Program
• Full Report: Youth Prevention and Adult Smoking in New York

Full Citation: New York State Department of Health. Youth prevention and adult smoking in New York. NY State DOH: 2011. Available from: http://www.nyhealth.gov/prevention/tobacco_control/docs/2011-03-11_ny_state_brief_report_prevention.pdf.

If you have any questions about the materials or how you may use them in your advocacy efforts, please e-mail research@tobaccofreecenter.org

new york state, public education campaigns, smoke-free laws, taxation and price