Sampling

Cities and counties around the state are beginning to see the impact of tobacco industry sampling in their community.  Around the state, tobacco companies sponsor bar nights and have representatives at family and youth oriented events, including rodeos and fairs, to distribute coupons and samples of tobacco products.  Through this sampling, or nonsale distribution, tobacco companies are gaining new customers and collecting personal information for targeted direct mailing campaigns.  While state law does prohibit sampling of tobacco products in specific locales, tobacco companies take full advantage of the loopholes for adult only locations and are targeting young adults as new customers.  Some cities, including Chico and San Francisco, have taken action and adopted strong local ordinances to prohibit sampling of tobacco products in their cities.  The below document provides background information about tobacco industry sampling efforts, details about the state law on sampling and a case study of the successful campaign for a strong sampling ordinance in Chico.

July 2009: Prohibiting Sampling of Tobacco Products through a Local Ordinance