Background: The widespread availability of tobacco in the community provides multiple cues for smoking and the promotion of tobacco products. This study aimed to build on previous research exploring the role of retail access to tobacco in quitting and relapse behaviour. Method: In October-December 2006, 4770 NSW residents aged 18 years and over, completed a cross-sectional survey on smoking issues. Households were selected at random from the NSW Electronic White Pages and mailed an information letter. Within the following weeks, each household was contacted by telephone to complete an interview.

Results: The sample included 665 current smokers who were asked about tobacco purchases, quitting behaviours and relapse-related events. Data will be presented on usual and most recent tobacco purchase patterns, relapse-related triggers and purchases, and how these relate to quitting behaviours.

Conclusions: The ready availability of tobacco through retail outlets plays a potentially important role in maintaining smoking behaviour. There is a need to more fully understand the magnitude of this effect and how it may interact with other factors to promote smoking behaviour.

Implications: There is potential public health benefit in pursuing greater restrictions on the sale of tobacco.