National Association of Tobacco Outlets Holds Conference
The trade group celebrated its 25th anniversary in Washington, D.C., with its first-ever legislative conference this September.
Updated on Oct. 22, 2026 in Law
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In September 2026, the National Association of Tobacco Outlets convened more than 150 members and partners for its first legislative conference. The event marked the 25th anniversary of the organization, which was established in 2001 to provide a unified voice for tobacco retailers.
Why it matters
The conference provided a forum for industry leaders to address the sector-wide decline in cigarette sales while navigating changing federal regulations. Attendees received updates on the FDA's plans to revamp the Premarket Tobacco Product Application process and analyzed the landscape ahead of upcoming midterm elections.
The National Association of Tobacco Outlets represents retailers, wholesalers, and manufacturers amidst a 6% annual decline in cigarette sales. While traditional cigarette volume drops, industry projections indicate double-digit growth for nicotine pouches in 2026.
The players
Tom Briant
He served as the executive director of the National Association of Tobacco Outlets for 23 years.
Tom Kessler
He currently serves as the board president for the National Association of Tobacco Outlets.
Frank Armstrong
He is an industry member with retail store operations across North Carolina and Virginia.
Bob Roberts
He is a long-standing board member who has served for 20 years and operates retail stores in Arizona.
Mary Szarmach
She was one of the industry leaders recognized with an award during the association's 25th-anniversary conference.
The details
The event featured a keynote address from the FDA Center for Tobacco Products Director alongside expert presentations on political shifts. The association honored several leaders for their service, including board president Tom Kessler and long-time former executive director Tom Briant, who served for 23 years.
Timeline
The National Association of Tobacco Outlets was established in 2001.
The 25th anniversary legislative conference took place in September 2026.
Political Context
Tobacco retailers are bracing for modifications to the FDA's Premarket Tobacco Product Application process, which currently governs new product market entry. Industry advocacy groups maintain that these regulatory hurdles create significant market access barriers for small business retailers.
Tobacco retailers may face increased compliance costs and logistical challenges as federal regulators update the application process for tobacco products. These changes could affect product availability on store shelves for consumers as manufacturers work to navigate the new oversight framework.
The takeaway
The industry is actively shifting its focus toward emerging nicotine products to offset the steady decline in cigarette sales. Retailers are encouraged to remain engaged with federal regulatory bodies as the Premarket Tobacco Product Application process undergoes transformation.
Further reading
For more information on current federal regulations, visit the United States Law section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by CStore Decisions.
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