Reducing Tobacco Use Initiation: Increasing the Unit Price of Tobacco Products

Task Force Finding*

The Task Force recommends increasing the unit price for tobacco on the basis of strong evidence of effectiveness in reducing tobacco use initiation among adolescents and young adults. Raising the unit price for tobacco products (through increases in the excise tax) is effective in reducing both the number of adolescents and young adults who use tobacco products and the amount of tobacco they use. Increasing the unit price for tobacco products also reduces tobacco use among adults. The need for passage by a state legislature or a referendum can present a barrier to increasing excise taxes.

*From the following publication:

Task Force on Community Preventive Services. Tobacco. [PDF - 3.63KB] In : Zaza S, Briss PA, Harris KW, eds. The Guide to Community Preventive Services: What Works to Promote Health? Atlanta (GA): Oxford University Press;2005:3-79.

Review completed: February 1999