Ethics Pops up, Economy Constrains: Ethical Dilemma of Tobacco Retailers in Selling Cigarette to Minors

Abstract

The paper investigates whether there is any ethical dilemma for the retailers of tobacco products to sell cigarettes to minors or not. With the study of secondary data and primary data coming from 60 retailers and 20 experts from Khulna City, Dhaka City, and Savar, the research concludes that in addition to the focus on retailers, policy makers have to think about mass awareness, mass education, proper implementation of laws, and availability of tobacco products to minors in order to reduce smoking by minors. Though not spontaneous, around 80 percent retailers find it unethical to sell cigarette to minors who is now 37 percent of the total market with 16 percent growth rate per year.

Keywords: Retailers, Ethics, Smoking, Minor Smoker, Tobacco Market, Bangladesh