{
  "abstract": "Background In Scotland, retailers selling tobacco or nicotine e-cigarettes must be registered, yet the effectiveness of this system in protecting young people remains unclear. Despite regulations prohibiting underage sales, young people continue to obtain nicotine products, often from local retailers. This pilot investigated the density, registration compliance, and advertising practices of retailers near two Glasgow schools to assess potential gaps in enforcement and youth exposure.Methods Retailer data were extracted from Scotland’s Tobacco Control Register and mapped to identify outlets within a 0.5-mile radius of each school. Field visits verified retailer presence and recorded product availability, registration status, advertising visibility, and age-of-sale signage. Observations were documented using a structured form and supported by photographs.Results Near School A, 25 retailers were open and observed during field visits. Of these, 92% (n=23) sold e-cigarettes and 88% (n = 22) sold both tobacco and e-cigarettes. However, 52% (n=13) of retailers were selling these products without being registered to do so. Age-of-sale signage was displayed in 48% (n=12), advertising was visible in 44% (n=11) and 44% (n=11) were within a 10-minute walk of School A. Near School B, 17 retailers were open and observed. Of these, 94.1% (n=16) sold e-cigarettes and 88.2% (n=15) sold both tobacco and e-cigarettes. However, 53% (n=9) sold these products without being registered to do so. Age-of-sale signage was displayed in 35.3% (n=6), advertising was visible in 64.7% (n=11), and 11.8% (n=2) were within a 10-minute walk of School B.Conclusion This study reveals gaps in retailer compliance and enforcement, with widespread advertising and product availability near schools likely increasing youth exposure. The Tobacco Control register likely underrepresents prevalence of product sales; direct observation is necessary to identifying non-compliance and informing policy. Strengthened oversight, clearer signage enforcement, and tighter advertising restrictions near schools are recommended to reduce youth access and support tobacco control efforts.",
  "authors": [
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "School of Health and Wellbeing, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK"
      ],
      "name": "Marissa Smith"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "School of Health and Wellbeing, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK"
      ],
      "name": "Andy Baxter"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Department of Social Work and Social Policy, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, UK"
      ],
      "name": "Shona Hilton"
    }
  ],
  "title": "P09-1 Retailer proximity and advertising of tobacco and nicotine vapour products near schools in Glasgow city: a pilot observational study",
  "uid": "75b3e6d1-fbc7-5b18-a122-a7931c8b3fa8"
}