| Summary: | Introduction
Although advertising and promotion of tobacco products in Poland are
prohibited, tobacco companies exploit legal loopholes and insufficient enforcement
of the laws to conduct their marketing. To reach young adults, advertisements
are placed in entertainment and social venues. This aspect of tobacco product
marketing in Poland remains under-researched. The main aim of this study was
to investigate the occurrence and characteristics of advertising and promotion of
tobacco products in nightclubs in Gdansk, a large city in northern Poland.
Methods
We conducted a single-center observational study of nightclubs in Gdansk,
between July and October 2022. Two independent observers visited 30 nightclubs
and collected information using pre-prepared research form. The occurrences of
tobacco branded bar accessories, logo signs, package displays and other forms of
advertising and promotion were recorded. Where possible, photographs of visible
marketing displays were taken.
Results
Advertising of tobacco products was present in 2/3 of the nightclubs
observed. The most commonly advertised product category were heated tobacco
products. Tobacco brand representatives promoted and offered consumers free
tobacco product samples. Multi-level marketing activities were observed, including
tobacco branded bar accessories, prominent sale points and tobacco brand logo
signs.
Conclusions
The majority of nightclubs observed in Gdansk advertise and promote
tobacco products. The ban on tobacco advertising and promotion is being violated
in nightclubs, where the most commonly advertised products are heated tobacco
products. The authorities should take steps to extend the bans to cover private
promotion and enforce the law to protect high-risk individuals from smoking
initiation and relapse.
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