Tobacco control legislation: Tools for public health improvement

James G. Hodge, Gabriel B. Eber

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

11 Scopus citations

Abstract

Protecting the public's health through tobacco control policies is an international priority. With the completion of WHO's Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC), countries are increasingly examining their national capacity to enact and enforce effective tobacco control laws. Legislative interventions are a key component of comprehensive tobacco control programs. To help law- and policy-makers create legislative interventions, the authors provide a four-part framework for categorising the wide array of tobacco control interventions. By modifying the economic, informational, social, and health environments in which tobacco is used, legislation can promote healthful behaviours and reduce adverse health consequences. Laws may take various forms and can be promulgated on a national, regional, or local level. Common tobacco control interventions include taxation, smoking bans, advertising restrictions, labelling and disclosure requirements, standardised product testing, and youth access restrictions. Various forms of law as vehicles for achieving health objectives are presented together with some key structural features of government that are important to consider when formulating legislation. A general blueprint for the legislative process leading to the enactment of effective tobacco control laws is also discussed.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)516-523
Number of pages8
JournalJournal of Law, Medicine and Ethics
Volume32
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - 2004
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Issues, ethics and legal aspects
  • Health Policy

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