Smokeout Targets Grocery Store Displays

ALBANY - On the 31st anniversary of the Great American Smokeout, several public health advocates voiced a public request to the owners of large grocery store chains Thursday.

Health advocates asked that owners of these stores get together with them and discuss ways to reduce and reorganize tobacco advertisements and tobacco products in their stores.

"We thought today would be a great day to get the public's attention on this issue, celebrating the 31st anniversary of the Great American Smokeout," said Janine Stuchin, the project manager of the Southern Adirondack Tobacco Free Coalition. "Let's address the issue of smoking where it starts - with advertising," Stuchin said.

Since the birth of the Great American Smokeout, smoking rates have fallen each year. Many schools and organizations are attempting to reduce the rates of smoking. For example, Maria College will become tobacco free in May while Siena College is trying to halt the sale of tobacco products at their campus bookstore.

Judy Rightmyer, program director for the Capital District Tobacco-Free Coalition, said, "We are trying to change the social norms around smoking. Our focus has shifted from being more individual based to more population centered."

Megan Paro, a Reality Check youth speaker and a student at Gloversville High School, also spoke. "We want to reduce or re-arrange tobacco ads that are specifically put in stores to attract young kids to smoke," the teen said. Reality Check is a movement designed to inform New York teens about the manipulative actions of the tobacco industry.

Paro explains that Reality Check is not anti-smoking; it is anti-industry.

Health advocates suggested replacing the clear cases tobacco products are displayed in with opaque coverings. They also recommended moving tobacco products behind the customer service desk instead of at the registers to avert eyes from the products.

"We are asking that grocery stores no longer be a party to cultivating another generation of smokers," said Rightmyer.
Over the past five months, more than 3,000 Capital District grocery store customers have participated by signing postcards and petitions asking stores to make tobacco advertising and products less visible to young people. The request hopes to decrease the likelihood of smoking among young adults by reducing the attractiveness and availability of the ads.