The Effect of State and Local Flavored Cigar Sales Restrictions, on Retail Sales of Large Cigars, Cigarillos, and Little Cigars in Massachusetts, California, Illinois, and New York.

This article examines the impact of flavored cigar sales restrictions on per capita cigar sales in four U.S. states—California, Illinois, Massachusetts, and New York—using data from Truth Initiative’s flavor policy database and NielsenIQ retailer scanner sales. The study finds that increased population coverage by flavored cigar sales restrictions is significantly associated with reductions in per capita sales of all cigars, particularly cigarillos and little cigars, with decreases ranging from approximately 15% to over 40% depending on cigar type. These findings support the effectiveness of such policies in reducing cigar sales and suggest that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) proposed rule to prohibit characterizing flavors in all cigars could substantially reduce cigar use, especially among youth and marginalized populations. The study also notes variability in policy comprehensiveness across jurisdictions and highlights the need for comprehensive restrictions covering all cigar types and flavors to maximize public health benefits.