Problem/Objective: Research has shown that sampling in bar environments has the ability to significantly increase awareness, trial, and purchase of tobacco products by young adults. Tobacco companies sponsored over 95 promotional events in Chico, CA bars between 2003 and 2006 in which free tobacco was distributed. The city of Chico will adopt a policy banning the free distribution of tobacco products in bars.

Methods: In January 2005, 71% of Chico's college stand-alone bars had signed voluntary policies to prohibit the free distribution of tobacco products. However, those bar owners who did not sign the voluntary policy are the bars that continually allow tobacco company access to their premises and patrons. Our agency recruited a task force (Tobacco Action Group – TAG) of college-aged young adults to educate the campus and community about the issue of tobacco industry marketing and free tobacco distribution. TAG conducted bar patron surveys, tobacco sponsorship observational surveys, made presentations to campus groups, and solicited the endorsement of the Associated Student Body. Armed with petition signatures and campus group endorsements, TAG approached the city of Chico with a proposal to ban free tobacco distribution.

Results: The city of Chico passed a policy to prohibit the free distribution of tobacco products in bars.

Conclusions: The policy was one of the first of its kind in California and closes a loophole in California law that prohibits the free distribution of tobacco products but excludes locations where minors are prohibited by law (such as bars).