Tobacco retailers’ views on selling tobacco and nicotine products, tobacco control policies and phasing out tobacco sales: a scoping review

Aim This scoping review synthesises the global evidence on tobacco retailers’ attitudes towards selling tobacco, tobacco control (TC) measures and the potential phase out of tobacco sales. Methods We searched eight databases covering health, social science and business topics to identify records published between 2000 and 2024. Records were eligible for inclusion if they examined tobacco retailers’ perceptions, attitudes or views on selling tobacco and nicotine products, or opinions on TC measures or ceasing tobacco sales. The review followed the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) Scoping Review Methodology and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews checklist for reporting scoping reviews. Results 52 studies met the eligibility criteria, with the USA and India contributing the most research. Most retailers demonstrated a strong understanding of existing TC measures, although knowledge varied by country and retailer demographics. Retailers largely opposed TC policies such as taxes, product display bans and standardised tobacco packaging. Despite recognising tobacco as a low-profit product for their business, most studies reported perceived customer attraction and retention as key reasons why retailers continue selling tobacco. 10 studies from high-income countries (Australia, New Zealand and the USA) indicated that stringent TC measures, along with personal ethical considerations, are key factors that motivate discontinuing tobacco sales. Conclusions This review found that tobacco retailers typically report negative attitudes about TC regulations. However, regulatory measures, voluntary cessation initiatives and retail education that appeals to ethical values can collectively encourage some individual retailers to cease selling tobacco. Although these alone are unlikely to substantially reduce the number of tobacco retailers. These factors may also inform communication strategies concerning regulated phase-outs of tobacco retailing.