Original Research
Tobacco retailer density in the Northern Territory, Australia
AUTHORS
Ruth Canty1,2,3 MPH, PhD Candidate 
Janet Hoek4,3 PhD, Professor
Coral Gartner3,5 PhD, Professor
Adam Bourke6 BSc(Hons)
Benedikt Ley7 PhD, Associate Professor
David Thomas1 PhD, Professor
Marita Hefler8,3 PhD, Professor *
AFFILIATIONS
1 Menzies School of Health Research, Charles Darwin University, Royal Darwin Hospital Campus, Casuarina, NT 0810, Australia
2 Present address: College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, Flinders University, Darwin, NT, Australia
3 Centre for Research Excellence in Achieving the Tobacco Endgame, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Qld, Australia
4 Department of Public Health, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
5 School of Public Health, University of Queensland, University of Queensland, Qld, Australia
6 Charles Darwin University, Darwin, NT, Australia
7 Menzies School of Health Research, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, NT, Australia
8 College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, Flinders University, Darwin, NT, Australia
ACCEPTED: 7 April 2026
Early Abstract:
Background: The Northern Territory (NT) is a geographically large, sparsely populated territory in Australia. It has the highest smoking prevalence in Australia (13.3% compared to 8.3% nationwide). Although international and national studies report associations between tobacco retailer density and higher smoking prevalence, no Australian state or territory currently regulates the location or density of tobacco outlets.
Methods: In this paper, we map the locations of retailers licensed to sell tobacco in the NT, analyse tobacco retailer density, and explore associations between tobacco retailer density, population density, percentage of First Nations residents, geographic remoteness and area socio-economic status. We obtained licensing data in November 2023 from Licensing NT and using Australian Bureau of Statistics Statistical Areas 2 as our unit of analysis, we geolocated retailers, and used multiple regression to analyse associations between tobacco retailer density and explanatory variables including socioeconomic status, population density, percentage of First Nations residents and remoteness.
Results: The mean tobacco retailer density in the NT was 1.81/1000 persons (95%CI: 1.38/1000 to 2.23/1000), and tobacco retailer density increased with remoteness (p=0.02). Although this relationship did not follow a strict gradient as remote areas did not show a significant increase relative to outer regional areas. In bivariate analyses, population density and percentage of First Nations residents, and remoteness were significantly associated with tobacco retailer density. In the multivariate analysis, only remoteness remained statistically significant.
Discussion: In the NT, tobacco retailer density increased with geographic remoteness, consistent with findings elsewhere in Australia. This finding is likely influenced by small population denominations. Compliance and enforcement are more difficult in small and geographically isolated communities, making it crucial that strategies to address tobacco supply are generated with community support. Policies should also ensure equitable access to smoking cessation support for people who are already addicted to nicotine.
Keywords: retailer density, remoteness, tobacco.