Outcomes are reported from this analysis of smokefree experts’ views on policies that would reduce tobacco retail supply. In-depth telephone interviews were conducted with 25 tobacco control experts drawn from academia, non-governmental organisations, Māori and Pacific health, smoking cessation services, district health boards and other public health-related organisations throughout New Zealand. Their views were sought upon the importance of reducing tobacco retail supply, different policy options and barriers to policy adoption. The qualitative analysis of the transcripts revealed that participants believed tobacco retailer licensing was an important short term step towards the 2025 goal. In the long-term, participants envisaged tobacco only being available at a small number of specialised outlets, either pharmacies or adult only/ R18 stores. To achieve that long-term scenario, participants suggested a sinking lid policy on licences or a zoning approach could be adopted to gradually reduce outlet density. Policies banning sales at certain types of outlet were not considered feasible.
