Background
The Regulating Menthol Cigarettes Project is a California Black Women's Health Project (CABWHP) Community-based study funded by California’s Tobacco Related Disease Research Program (TRDRP).
Since the 1960s, the tobacco industry has targeted African Americans with the heavy marketing of menthol cigarettes. The retail environment is the dominant channel for the tobacco industry to market menthol cigarettes. Research shows that more tobacco retailers exist in African American neighborhoods, which contributes to greater menthol cigarette marketing exposure.
On September 24, 2019 the County of Los Angeles Board of Supervisors approved an Ordinance creating restrictions on retail sales of tobacco products and a new business license requirement. The law included a six-month period for retailers to come into compliance and is enforceable beginning on May 1, 2020.
The new restrictions and requirements only apply to tobacco retailers in the unincorporated areas of the County. The law does not apply to personal possession or use of tobacco products.
Among other requirements, beginning May 1, 2020, the sale of flavored tobacco products and menthol cigarettes will be prohibited, and little cigars and cigarillos must be sold in packs of at least 20 units. In addition, tobacco shops may not operate without a tobacco shop business license. A tobacco shop is a business devoted exclusively or predominantly to the sale of tobacco, tobacco products, and tobacco paraphernalia.
On September 24, 2019 the County of Los Angeles Board of Supervisors approved an Ordinance creating restrictions on retail sales of tobacco products and a new business license requirement. The law included a six-month period for retailers to come into compliance and is enforceable beginning on May 1, 2020.
The new restrictions and requirements only apply to tobacco retailers in the unincorporated areas of the County. The law does not apply to personal possession or use of tobacco products.
Among other requirements, beginning May 1, 2020, the sale of flavored tobacco products and menthol cigarettes will be prohibited, and little cigars and cigarillos must be sold in packs of at least 20 units. In addition, tobacco shops may not operate without a tobacco shop business license. A tobacco shop is a business devoted exclusively or predominantly to the sale of tobacco, tobacco products, and tobacco paraphernalia.
The Study and the Team
This two-year study examines the attitudes and beliefs of tobacco retailers and African American menthol smokers regarding menthol cigarette sales restrictions in unincorporated areas of Los Angeles County.
For additional information contact:
Dr. Karen Beard, Community Co-PI, Von Fisher 323-362-2645 / 323-248-1403 or mentholstudy@cabwhp.org
For additional information contact:
Dr. Karen Beard, Community Co-PI, Von Fisher 323-362-2645 / 323-248-1403 or mentholstudy@cabwhp.org
Dr. Karen Beard
Co-Principal Investigator 
Dr. Robynn Battle
Data Analyst |
Von Fisher
Project Assistant 
Dr. Tashelle Wright
Social Media Manager & Data Analyst |
