Working with experts and stakeholders, we conceptualize innovative yet practical strategies for tackling specific public health problems. Analyzing available scientific research and emerging industry practices, we conduct extensive legal research to devise model legal and policy approaches that promise to deliver real results.

• Despite state laws, the youth tobacco purchase rate remains very high in too many communities. To address this persistent problem, PHLP developed a model ordinance authorizing cities and counties to license tobacco retailers, giving them the ability to suspend the license if a retailer is caught selling to a minor—a strategy that has been shown to reduce the youth purchase rate by as much as 70 percent. This strategy has been adopted by more than 90 communities in California, and has proven extremely effective in reducing sales to minors. A recent study by the American Lung Association reviewed 26 communities that have adopted a strong licensing law, and found that the youth purchase rate had declined significantly in 25 of the 26 communities.
• When a state health department asked PHLP to develop model legislation to curb illegal sales of tobacco to minors, we learned that lawmakers were much more concerned about drug use than tobacco use. We saw this as a strategic opportunity, and incorporated language allowing for the enforcement of state drug paraphernalia laws through the suspension of tobacco retailer licenses. Local lawmakers now see tobacco retailer licensing schemes as an attractive vehicle to curb illegal drug use and tobacco sales to minors.
• PHLP works with communities to identify the benefits of a policy strategy for diverse audiences and stakeholders. For example, when health advocates have pushed for policies that restrict unhealthy food outlets—like fast food and liquor stores—in their communities, we provided examples of how a strategy that restricts unhealthy food outlets while incentivizing and promoting healthy food outlets can be a win-win for local economic development efforts and public health.

Return to the main page to learn more about how we can help with each stage in the policymaking process.