AIM: The objective of this study was to identify the changes in compliance with tobacco control law at tobacco point of sales (POS) in Istanbul between 2015-2022. 

METHOD: POS in 4 trade-dense districts of Istanbul were visited every year between 2015 and 2022 , using the "shadow reporting methodology of Framework Convention Alliance". The type of premises, display and placement techniques, evidence of overt or secret advertisements, and sales of unlicensed products were noted. The type of violations at each POS was recorded. The trends in compliance to tobacco control legislation were analyzed.

RESULTS: Increase in POS violations between 2015 to 2022 were found as follows respectively; accessibility of the customers to products from 28,9 % to 80,9% ; placement of the packs to hide the pictorial warnings  from 45,5 % to 93,0%, open sales by stick from 24,6% to 79,4% , lack of warnings about sales to minors from 73,0% to 94,5% ,advertising and promotion from 62,0% to 93,5%.

Display units with the company logo first observed in 2017 increased from 70,8% in to 80,4% in 2022. Sales of menthol balls to be injected into cigarettes increased from 15,7% in 2021 raised to 64,3% in 2022. Displays at the eye level of children decreased from 100% in 2020 to 96,0% in 2022. Of the premises 65,3 % started marketing unlicensed products as e-cigarettes, puff bar, and water-pipe tobacco in 2022. 

CONCLUSION: An increasing trend in non-compliance to tobacco control laws was recorded between 2015-2022 at the point of sales in Istanbul. Site inspections and supporting the legislation with by-laws are urgently required for the protection of respiratory health.