WPP is working to reduce impact of tobacco, alcohol advertising on youth

Restricting tobacco and alcohol advertising at the point of sale is an evidence-based practice to reduce youth substance use.

Studies show that even brief exposure to tobacco advertising can influence the attitudes and perceptions of youth about smoking and the use of tobacco products. As perceptions of harm and perceptions of prevalence of use among youth lower, use trends upward.

By placing restrictions on tobacco and alcohol advertising, communities can limit the amount of product advertising to which minors are exposed, which can decrease youth initiation and ongoing use of these substances.

Based on the results of our 2018/2019 Tobacco and Alcohol Advertising Opinions Survey, there is widespread support among Winooski residents for restricting outdoor advertising for tobacco (79% of respondents) and alcohol (69% of respondents).

Winooski Partnership for Prevention (WPP) met with the Planning Commission on August 8 to discuss developing window and outdoor sign regulations in the city. Mayor Kristine Lott attended the meeting, and wrote up a summary.

WPP followed up the meeting by compiling examples of sign policies in Vermont, regulated either through zoning or a city ordinance, and submitted the document for the planning commission's review.

WPP plans to attend their next meeting, on Thursday, Sept. 12, to discuss next steps.