This is a survey of retail establishments in Canadian cities, to determine the willingness of these establishments to sell electronic cigarette products (e-cigarettes) to youth, and to gain a better understanding of e-cigarette product placement, accessibility and promotion, including the potential promotion of health claims, at retail outlets. The ease with which youth can purchase e-cigarettes online will also be assessed. Prior to sending survey teams into stores or attempting online purchasing, the contractor will have to conduct a “universe” study of the population of retailers selling e-cigarettes within each city, and a second universe study of the Canadian online market. A final report of the survey’s findings is also required.
The intended use of the completed requirement is to:
Provide an impartial measurement of retailer willingness to sell e-cigarettes to youth across Canada;
Provide a measure of the accessibility of e-cigarettes to youth through online purchasing; and
Contribute to the evolving evidence base by expanding intelligence on e-cigarette placement, accessibility, and potential promotion at retail outlets across Canada.
