Objectives: This study documented illegal sales of cigarettes to minors in low-income African-American and White urban areas in East Baltimore.
Methods: Six youths, aged 14 through 16 years, were sent to a random sample of 83 corner stores to attempt to purchase cigarettes. The youths provided the investigators with data on merchant, store, and purchase characteristics.
Results: The youths successfully purchased cigarettes in 85.5% of the stores; 58% of the stores displayed five or more cigarette advertisements outside their premises.
Conclusions: Cigarette sales to minors and associated advertising remain prevalent in this urban community.