Snus News & Other Tobacco Products: 8/8/10

PAPER: smoking prevalence high in seven Latin American cities..

August 14, 2010

PAPER: Tobacco smoking in seven Latin American cities: the CARMELA study, B M Champagne, E M Sebrié (ernesto.sebrie@roswellpark.org), H Schargrodsky, P Pramparo, C Boissonnet, E Wilson, Tobacco Control doi:10.1136/tc.2009.031666, ABSTRACT..

from Abstract: This study aimed to explore tobacco smoking in seven major cities of Latin America. The Cardiovascular Risk Factor Multiple Evaluation in Latin America (CARMELA) study is a cross-sectional epidemiological study of 11 550 adults between 25 and 64 years old in Barquisimeto, Venezuela; Bogota, Colombia; Buenos Aires, Argentina; Lima, Peru; Mexico City, Mexico; Quito, Ecuador; and Santiago, Chile. Tobacco smoking, including cigarettes, cigars and pipes, was surveyed among other cardiovascular risk factors.

Santiago and Buenos Aires had the highest smoking prevalence (45.4% and 38.6%, respectively); male and female rates were similar. In other cities, men smoked more than women, most markedly in Quito (49.4% of men vs 10.5% of women). Peak male smoking prevalence occurred among the youngest two age groups (25–34 and 35–44 years old). Men and women of Buenos Aires smoked the highest number of cigarettes per day on average (15.7 and 12.4, respectively). Men initiated regular smoking earlier than women in each city (ranges 13.7–20.0 years vs 14.2–21.1 years, respectively). Exposure to secondhand tobacco smoke at workplace for more than 5 h per day was higher in Barquisimeto (28.7%), Buenos Aires (26.8%) and Santiago (21.5%). The highest prevalence of former smokers was found among men in Buenos Aires, Santiago and Lima (30.0%, 26.8% and 26.0% respectively).

Smoking prevalence was high in the seven CARMELA cities, although patterns of smoking varied among cities. A major health and economic burden is inevitable in urban Latin America unless effective comprehensive tobacco control measures recommended by the World Health Organisation (WHO) Framework Convention on Tobacco Control are implemented.

Related PAPER: CARMELA: assessment of cardiovascular risk in seven Latin American cities, Schargrodsky H, Hernández-Hernández R, Champagne BM, Silva H, Vinueza R, Silva Ayçaguer LC, Touboul PJ, Boissonnet CP, Escobedo J, Pellegrini F, Macchia A, Wilson E; CARMELA Study Investigators, Am J Med. 2008 Jan;121(1):58-65, ABSTRACT..

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New York City - Department of Health cracking down on smoking at outside areas at bars and other places....

Leaf Merchants: Alliance One and Universal Corp. accused of bribery..

August 14, 2010 - Alliance One International of Morrisville, NC and Universal Corporation of Richmond, VA are world leaf tobacco mechants and processors.

These American tobacco companies are paying nearly $30 million to settle charges (from the government's Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Justice Department) that they bribed foreign officials to win lucrative overseas tobacco sales contracts.

Universal was accused of bribing officials in Thailand, Malawi and Mozambique. Alliance One was accused of bribing officials in Thailand, China, Greece, Indonesia and Kyrgyzstan.

The SEC said the companies together paid more than $5 million in bribes to government officials in Thailand and other countries in order to illicitly obtain tobacco sales contracts.

Thailand Tobacco Monopoly officials have been accused of accepting bribes of over US$1.93 million (62 million baht) from US-based companies to ensure Brazilian-grown tobacco was sold locally, says the US Justice Department. "The charges relate to bribes paid to Thai government officials to secure contracts with the Thailand Tobacco Monopoly, a Thai government agency, for the sale of tobacco leaf," the Justice Department said.

References: Tobacco Companies Universal, Alliance One Settle Charges by NATHAN BECKER, The Wall Street Journal, 8/8/2010; Thai tobacco officials 'took B62m bribes' US JUSTICE DEPT LAYS CHARGES IN BRAZILIAN CIGARETTE SCAM, Bangkok Post, 8/8/2010.

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Philippines - DOH pushing for hefty tax increase on cigarettes..

August 13, 2010 - The Department of Health (DOH) is pushing for a 400% increase in the tax on cigarettes. The tax hike would bring up the price of a cigarette stick from P2 to P7, and a pack from P30 to P120. The DOH said the move would help reduce the number of smokers in the country, deter the youth who comprise 20% of the smoking population while allowing government to raise revenue to bring down the budget deficit. DOH research shows that 4 out of 10 Filipino adults smoke, while over 20% of Filipino smokers are between 15 to 20 years old.

There are about 17.3 million smokers in the Philippines, including Pres. Noynoy Aquino, according to Inquirer.net. According to the latest WHO report, the smoking percentage of Filipinos in the age group 13-15 years is 22.7% with more boys smoking than girls who are, nevertheless, catching up. Data from 151 countries show that 7% of adolescent girls smoke cigarettes as opposed to 12% of adolescent boys. In some countries, almost as many girls smoke as boys. (Filipino girls among biggest smokers in the world —WHO By Frankie Llaguno, Newsbreak, 5/28/2010) According to the latest WHO report, the smoking percentage of Filipinos in the age group 13-15 years is 22.7% with more boys smoking than girls who are, nevertheless, catching up. Data from 151 countries show that 7% of adolescent girls smoke cigarettes as opposed to 12% of adolescent boys. In some countries, almost as many girls smoke as boys. (Filipino girls among biggest smokers in the world —WHO By Frankie Llaguno, Newsbreak, 5/28/2010)

Increasing the tax for cigarettes to P4.50 per stick or P90 per 20-stick pack was one of the ideas proposed during a meeting between officials from the Department of Health and anti-tobacco advocate Framework Convention on Tobacco Control Alliance Philippines (FCAP), reports Inquirer.net. The current tax rate per cigarette pack ranges from P2.47 (0.0545855 USD) to P27.16 (0.600221 USD) "placing the Philippines among countries selling the cheapest cigarettes in Asia," according to FCAP. Should the tax increase be implemented, the cost of a cigarette stick would range from P5.50 to P7.50, and a pack from P97 to P190 (4.20 USD), according to the report.

The idea is inspired by the "Obama model," according to Inquirer.net In February 2009, United States Pres. Barack Obama, who used to be a smoker, signed a bill legalizing the increase in cigarette tax from $0.39 to $1.01 per pack to raise funds for the health insurance of poor children. In the Philippines, the funds raised from the tax increase would be partly used for the health care of about five million poor Filipinos.

Health Secretary Enrique Ona told Inquirer.net, "These are just thoughts that came about during the meeting… For now, it's just an idea and an option we could take but I am not yet pushing for anything." (In early July Health Secretary Esperanza Cabral formally bowed out of the Department of Health (DOH) and government service, as she turned over her post to former National Kidney Transplant Institute (NKTI) executive director Enrique Ona. (Cabral turns over health department to Ona by Jeannette Andrade, Philippine Daily Inquirer, 7/5/2010) - We will miss Dr. Cabral - she did an excellent job - TobaccoWatch.org..

Ona's head executive assistant, Dr. Yolanda Oliveros, said in a report by Inquirer.net, "[During the meeting], the secretary was open to following the Obama model if the tax increase would be applied in the Philippines." Oliveros told The Philippine Star, "Increasing the tax will reduce access to tobacco because we will reduce the capacity (of smokers) to pay. In doing this, our primary targets are the students. If cigarettes become more expensive, they won't be able to afford it anymore."

FCAP Executive Director Dr. Maricar Limpin said in a statement, "It will go a long way for the Aquino administration, (which is) facing a huge budget deficit while dealing with very high expectations on poverty alleviation and addressing the social welfare of the people. There's a big disequilibrium between the cost of cigarettes and the cost of health care so government spends more on diseases caused by tobacco. Studies show the expenditure on health care has reached P270 billion compared to the revenue government is getting which is only P27 billion."

References: Cigarette tax to be raised to P90 per pack?, Spot.ph, 8/10/2010; Raising the tax on tobacco, Caroline J. Howard, ABS-CBN News Channel
(Alto Broadcasting System-Chronicle Broadcasting Network), 8/13/2010.

Philippines - some related news briefs:
Philippines - Muslim council says smoking is forbidden..;
Philippines - PMFTC has 90% of the tobacco market..;
Philippines - Philip Morris report sales higher than annual 2-3% growth..;
Philippines - National Tobacco Assoc. will oppose any move to reduce demand for tobacco unless govt..;
Philippines - tobacco industry has obtained temporary relief from placing graphic warnings on cigarette packs..;
Philippines - govt agencies and employees barred from unnessary interaction with tobacco industry..;
Philippines - Filipino Muslims forbidden to smoke, trade cigarettes..;
Philippine congress proclaims Aquino 15th president..;
Philippines - tobacco firms claim graphic warnings on cigarette packs are illegal..;
Philippines - new president smokes but this should not slow tobacco prevention activities..:
Philippines - Department of Health wants health warnings on cigarette packs within 90 days..;
Philippines - health groups want more protection from the dangers of tobacco..;
Philippines - DOH warns government agencies to avoid partnerships or accepting donations from tobacco manufacturers..;
Philip Morris Philippines..;
Philippines - DoH pushes for picture warnings on cigarette packs..;
Philippines - PMI - FTC merger may lead smokers continuing to smoke and lure children into a life of nicotine addiction..;
Philippines - PMI and Fortune Tobacco Corp. form new company called PMFTC..;
Philippines - Tanauan City names street Philip Morris..;
Philippines - DOH campaign for 100% smoke-free workplaces..;
Philippines - total tobacco industry could be down 10% to 15% this year..;
Philippines - 2003 ban on advertising and skirting the ban..;
Philippines - June is annually observed as 'No Smoking' Month..;
Philippines may be losing the war against smoking..;
http://snus-news.blogspot.com/2008/11/philippines-thai-cigarette-import-rules.html;
Philip Morris won't postpone Philippines Eraserheads Concert..;
Philip Morris could be criminally liable for its sponsorship of the event .in the Philippines..;
STOP PMI Sponsoring Concert in Philippines..;
Philippines - Smoker to be deported...

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New York City - more on the anti-smoking signs lawsuit against Department of Health..

August 13, 2010 - In early June 2010 Philip Morris USA, Lorillard Tobacco Company, and R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co., plus two major retail trade groups and two convenience stores, alleged in the Manhattan federal court lawsuit that the signs violate the sellers' rights by imposing the signs on them. (Big tobacco companies file lawsuit contesting NY City's anti-smoking signs - also see this news brief for background information on the graphic anti-smoking posters in retail outlets..)

NY City health officials are requiring stores that sell tobacco products to display graphic anti-smoking signs by March 1, 2010 but some experts and other New Yorkers question the effectiveness of the ad campaigns. Starting March 1, any city shops that sell cigarettes and other tobacco products that do not display these arresting anti-smoking signs risk fines of up to $2,000.

Massachusetts was poised to become the first state in the nation to force retailers to prominently display graphic warnings about the perils of smoking right where cigarettes are sold — at tobacco sales racks and next to cash registers. The proposal by the state Department of Public Health need the approval of the state Public Health Council. But now members of the council are waiting to see what happens with a pending New York lawsuit. "We are not going to take any action until after the initial hearing in New York City," says Jennifer Manley of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health. (Massachusetts - may force retailers to display graphic warning signs of perils of tobacco..)

That hearing is set for Oct. 14 in U.S. District Court in Manhattan. The city agreed to stop enforcing its law until January 1 or 14 days after a judge's order, whichever comes first. The court case: US District Court Southern District of New York - NY Health Department signs in retail stores - 6/2/2010.

The tobacco companies argue that New York doesn't have the authority to require the posters. "The federal government has the exclusive jurisdiction over the content of these warnings," says Steve Callahan, spokesman for Altria, Philip Morris' parent company. "These gruesome signs were chasing customers away" who wanted to buy other items, such as milk, says Jim Calvin, of the New York Association of Convenience Stores (NYACS), which joined the lawsuit.

"There's a lot of evidence that these educational warnings work," says Eric Lindblom of the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids. He says the lawsuit aims to "scare other jurisdictions from taking similar action."

A poster showing diseased lungs still hangs at the 7-Eleven at 345 W. 42nd St., store manager Bilid Chaudhary says. He says customers read it and some have bought chewing tobacco instead of cigarettes as a result, but overall sales are largely the same. At the CVS drugstore at 253 1st Ave., the city's smaller sign remains at the registers, assistant manager Ana Gonzalez says, but customers pay no attention and it hasn't hurt business.

On July 22, 2010, American Legacy Foundation and a number of other public health organizations1 moved for leave to participate as amici curiae (friend of the court) in support of the defendants. Plaintiffs oppose this motion on the ground that the proposed amici are unlikely to offer any information or argument that would not be raised by the parties to this case.

Reference: Tobacco companies sue NYC over signs, delay Mass. effort by Wendy Koch, USA TODAY, 7/14/2010.

NYC directly related:
New York City - Mayor Bloomberg still considering smoking ban in parks and beaches.. - Get It Done Already!!;
Big tobacco companies file lawsuit contesting NY City's anti-smoking signs..;
New York City - federal judge rejects plaintiffs attempt to stop the law that blocks the sale of flavored tobacco products..;
New York City - moving closer to closing a nighclub that flouted smoking ban..;
New York City - VIDEO: starting March 1, 2010 stores, anti-smoking signs..;
NYC Lawsuit against Online Cigarette Vendor Dismissed..;
NY City - smokers kicking the addiction and living longer than ever..;
NY City Council not backing down as US Smokeless Tobacco files lawsuit against city..;
New York City - ban on flavored tobacco products becomes law..;
New York City bans the sale of flavored tobacco products..;
New York City - Mayor Bloomberg pushing ahead to ban smoking in city parks and beaches..;
New York City - all retailers selling tobacco will be required to post warning signs..;
New York City - to ask public opinion - smoking graphic warning signs; New York City - proposed pictorial warning signs to show the sickness and suffering caused by tobacco use.;
New York City - may ban smoking in parks and beaches..;
New York City - can't sue Internet cigarette retailers for lost taxes..;
New CDC Chief Thomas R. Frieden, MD, MPH..;
New York City Council ban candy-flavored tobacco, smoking outside of hospitals..;
New York - city and state officials back off plans to crack down on cigarette black market..;
New York City - nonsmokers exposed to cigarette smoke..;
New York City - cigarettes more than $10- a- pack..;
NYC can move forward with reservation cigarette lawsuit..;
Michael Rubens Bloomberg - ELF Award winner 2008;
NYC sues reservation smoke shops over bootlegging..;
NYC Fights Smoking With Reality Images in Matchbooks..;
NY City Can Proceed With Lawsuits Against 10 Online Cigarette Vendors..;
NYC Warns Parents of Smoking Lawsuits...

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Nigeria - tanker drivers that smoke pay fines of N .1m (665.56 USD)..

August 13, 2010 - Tanker drivers have been warned to desist from unethical behaviour, as those who engage in smoking while driving will pay a fine of N100,000 (665.557 USD). This warning was handed down by the national chairman of Petroleum Tankers Drivers (PTD), Apostle Timothy Ogbu, during an interactive session with members in Port Harcourt.

Ogbu said drink driving was not only an offence against the state, but also the union, adding that such attitude could tarnish the image of their profession. The chairman cautioned members to obey road ethics and codes and ensure that their vehicle particulars are updated with their original driver’s licence in place.

The PTD boss said the executive members of the union was concerned over the recklessness of some tanker drivers, saying that was why he was on official visit to all depots to sensitise members of the need for attitudinal change. Ogbu also alerted them to the danger in answering or making phone calls while driving and warned that any member caught in the act would be fined accordingly.

Reference: Cigarette smoking tanker drivers to pay N.1m fine, Written by Bolaji Ogundele, Port Harcourt, Nigerian Tribune, 8/12/2010.

Nigeria - related news briefs:
Nigeria - State of Osun to implement tobacco control measures..;
Nigeria - call to emulate Australia's move to ban the promotion of tobacco..;
Africa - the increase in tobacco use must be prevented..;
Nigeria - parliament still debating new tobacco legislation..;
Nigeria - Customs Service Comptroller-General commended BATN..;
Nigeria - National Tobacco Control Bill - public hearing..;
Nigerian senator believes passage of anti-tobacco bill wil lead to unemployment..;
Nigeria - Senator claims anti-tobacco bill will lead to 400,000 job losses..;
Nigerian Lawsuit Against Tobacco Firms Adjourned Until January 2009..;
Nigeria House Passes Anti-smoking Bill..;
BAT using illegal tactics to get African youths to start smoking..;
British American Tobacco (BAT) - 100 years in Africa..
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New York - smokers crossing the border in search of cheaper cigarettes..

August 13, 2010 - Tax-choked smokers are fleeing over the border and onto Indian reservations in search of discount cigarettes and sending Gov. Paterson's anticipated tax windfall, well, up in smoke.

Cigarette sales statewide have tumbled by nearly a third since New York's highest-in-the-nation cig tax of $4.35 took effect on July 1, according to state tax data and sales reports released yesterday by retailers. (New York State - after tax increase cigarette sales plummet in c-stores..)

Combined with New York City's own cig levy, there's now a $5.85 tax on packs sold in the five boroughs. The current tax on a pack of cigarettes in Pennsylvania is $1.60. (Pennsylvania Budget Facts 2010: Tobacco Taxes)

"I come to Pennsylvania because it's so much cheaper," said Jeff Hochteil, a trucker from upstate Walden, NY, who saves nearly $50 each time he makes the 30-mile drive to Matamoras, Pa., to pick up cartons of smokes.

New York state sold 28.7 million cigarette tax stamps in July, down from 43.1 million the previous year, said a spokesman for the state Department of Taxation and Finance. That translates to $125 million in cig-tax revenue last month, barely more than the $119 million haul in July 2009 despite the massive tax hike.

The numbers confirm reports from convenience-store owners that cigarette sales have dropped 25 to 35 percent since the state hit smokers with a $1.60-a-pack increase.

Retailers said sales were off by as much as 45 percent in stores bordering low-tax states like Pennsylvania and Vermont and tax-free Indian reservations in western New York and on Long Island.

In June, the Legislature approved Paterson's plan to raise the state tax on cigarettes 58 percent as part of a breathtaking $290 million levy on tobacco products meant to save the teetering state treasury.

The hike raises the average price of a pack of Marlboros to $11.60 in New York City, compared to $5.93 in Matamoras PA.

"People aren't going to buy cigarettes in New York and now all the money is going everywhere else," said Darrell Dirr of upstate Middletown as he purchased smokes from one of the many tobacco outlets clustered over the Pennsylvania border.

Reference: Cig-taxed NYers run for border by BRENDAN SCOTT in Albany and CAROLYN SALAZAR in Matamoras, Pa., New York Post, 8/12/2010.

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U.S. Postal Service to allow tobacco shipments to troops in Iraq and Afghanistan..

August 13, 2010 - The U.S. Postal Service (USPS) said Thursday, August 12th that it plans to resume shipping possibly as soon as August 27th care packages with cigarettes and other tobacco to soldiers serving in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Directly related news brief: August 6, 2010 - PACT Act - sometimes soldiers in Iraq or Afghanistan can't get the cigarettes they want..

The Prevent All Cigarette Trafficking Act (PACT Act) of 2009 quietly took effect June 29 and was created to prevent minors from ordering cigarettes through the mail. It allowed for small shipments of tobacco but required a way to verify the recipient was old enough – meaning the only way to ship the packages through the postal service was by Express Mail, which requires a signature. Summary - Prevent All Cigarette Trafficking Act (PACT Act)

However, Express Mail doesn't deliver to most overseas military addresses. The new instructions would allow tobacco shipments to military addresses through Priority Mail, which does ship to deployed troops, with delivery confirmation instead.

U.S. Sen. Herb Kohl, the bill's sponsor, said in a statement that he was notified Thursday of the new instructions. "I'm pleased that the Postal Service responded so quickly to the concerns of our military families and found a way to honor the original intent of the bill: to keep cigarettes out of the hands of children and prevent tobacco smugglers from profiting on the black market," he said.

Kohl recently sent a letter to the Postmaster General asking him to change the regulations, because the bill also expressly permits the shipping of tobacco from adult to adult, including to military addresses.

Reference: Postal Service Gives Soldiers Denied Cigarette Shipments A Way To Get Them Back, Kristin M. Hall, Huffington Post - Associated Press, 8/12/2010.

Some PACT related news briefs:
PACT Act - sometimes soldiers in Iraq or Afghanistan can't get the cigarettes they want..;
U.S. PACT Law takes effect June 29, 2010..;
President Obama Signs PACT Act Into Law..;
U.S. House passed PACT Act again now awaits presidential signature and it's law..;
U.S. Senate - unanimously passes the PACT Act..;
Disappointment - U.S. legislators from New York State are delaying passage of PACT Act..;
NATO - urging retailers to call their U.S.Senators to get the PACT Act passed..;
U.S. let's get the PACT bill passed by congress and then signed into law..;
NY State - Seneca Indians - lobbying against the PACT act.;
U.S. - Senate Judiciary Committee Approves PACT ACT..;
U.S. - Senate Committee scheduled to vote on PACT..;
Web-Based Companies must stop selling flavored cigarettes..;
Internet, Flavors everywhere - snuff being marketed to kids as hip, cool and healthy..;
U.S. customs officials bar imports bearing the Philip Morris USA trademark..;
Let's Get It Passed - Prevent All Tobacco Trafficking Act of 2009..;
U.S - PACT legislation passed by House..;
U.S. - PACT Legislation to be considered by House this month..;
We must get the United States Postal Service (USPS) out of the tobacco delivery business..;
PACT Legislation now in the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee..;
U.S. House Passes Bill to Prevent Tobacco Delivery By Mail..;
We must get the United States Postal Service (USPS) out of the tobacco delivery business..
Protect Our Children - Make it illegal to use the U.S. Postal Service to deliver any form of tobacco product...
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U.S. Federal District Court Judge refuses to further delay enforcement of PACT Act..

August 12, 2010 - Mail order cigarette sellers from the Seneca Nation and elsewhere were handed another setback at federal court this afternoon. In an order filed about 3 p.m., U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara refused to further delay the enforcement of a new federal law that prevents businesses from selling cigarettes through the mail.

Background:
U.S. Federal District Court Judge Richard Arcara, earlier in the week heard arguments by both sides – the U.S. government and the Seneca Free Trade Association -- appealing his split decision made last week regarding the constitutionality of the Prevent All Cigarette Trafficking Act (PACT Act) (U.S. Federal Court - appeal of judges split decision regarding PACT Act..);

Cigarettes seized from truck carrying cigarettes between reservations.. Cigarettes will now to be returned..;

Seneca Indians - split ruling from NY judge on cigarette regulation..;

Seneca Nation - judge extends temporary reprieve from law to block mail delivery off cigarettes until July 30th..;

Seneca cigarette sellers get temporary reprieve from law to block mail delivery of cigarettes..;

Authority to regulate Internet cigarette sales made from an American Indian reservation in another state was upheld in a ruling by the Oregon Court of Appeals.;

NY State - Seneca Indians - lobbying against the PACT act..;

Collect Tax on Phone and Online Tobacco Sales, More Money for State Health Care Programs..;

Seneca Nation businesses oppose the new law, saying it will destroy the tribe's lucrative mail order tobacco industry, which has provided low- and middle-income jobs to thousands of Senecas while turning a few into millionaires. The Seneca businesses will continue their appeal of the new law, but the case now moves up to the Second Circuit Federal Appeals Court in New York City.

So far, the Senecas have "failed to establish a clear likelihood" that their appeal will be successful, Arcara wrote in an eight-page ruling. "Preventing [cigarette sellers] from using the mails pending appeal will undoubtedly impact the profitability of their business," Arcara wrote. "Postal delivery clearly represents the most efficient and most cost-effective means for delivery of their products. However ... it is not the only means, and alternative ways to deliver their products do exist."

The judge also refused to grant a motion by the federal government, which wants to force cigarette sellers to proactively pay billions of dollars in state and local taxes for all tobacco sales.

Today's ruling relates to the Prevent All Cigarette Trafficking Act (PACT Act), which went into effect in late June. The law bans businesses from selling cigarettes through the mail. (U.S. PACT Act takes effect Tuesday, June 29, 2010..)

Supporters of the law say its aim is to prevent teenagers from buying cigarettes through the mail. They say the Senecas are by far the largest mass marketers of cheap cigarettes in the entire nation. One anti-smoking group, the Campaign For Tobacco-Free Kids, estimates that 3.4 million Americans under the age of 18 are regular smokers. The group alleges that tobacco Web sites, such as those run by the Senecas, make it easy for teens to illegally buy smokes.

Seneca Nation smokeshop owners filed a legal challenge to the law in late June. On July 30, Arcara ruled that the government has the legal right to ban the mailing of cigarettes, but he said the tax collections ordered by the law were not legal. (In a mixed decision, on Friday, July 30th, Judge Richard Arcara upheld the mail-order ban contained in the Prevent All Cigarette Trafficking Act (PACT) but temporarily exempted more than 140 Seneca-owned businesses from a provision requiring them to comply with all taxing laws in the places they sell cigarettes. (Seneca Indians - split ruling from NY judge on cigarette regulation..)

On Tuesday, August 10th Seneca business owners asked Arcara to delay the government ban on mail order cigarette sales until their appeal can be heard by a higher court.

The Senecas say many of their mail-order smokeshops already have gone out of business because of the new law. "Businesses have stopped operating and people have lost jobs," said Lisa A. Coppola, an attorney for one tobacco business owned by Seneca Nation member Aaron Pierce.

Reference: Judge refuses to further delay enforcement of PACT Act by Dan Herbeck News Staff Reporter, The Buffalo News, 8/12/2010.
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Oregon - smoking rates drop except for those with low-income levels..

August 12, 2010 - EUGENE — The state Department of Human Services report shows the smoking rate in Oregon has dropped significantly since the state began its Tobacco Prevention and Education Program in 1996. The report shows fewer people are smoking in Oregon overall, although the rate among people with lower incomes has not changed.
The report says smoking among lower-income people "has stubbornly remained at around 35 percent." One in three adults earning less than $15,000 per year was a smoker, compared with one in 10 adults earning $50,000 or more.

Overall, the smoking rate declined from 24 percent of Oregonians in 1996 to 17 percent in 2007. Rates among children also dropped sharply, from 22 percent of eighth-graders in 1996 to 9 percent in 2007, and from 28 percent of 11th-graders in 1996 to 16 percent in 2007.

The amount of cigarettes sold in the state fell 46 percent from 1996 to 2009.

"This is good news, as smoking is the leading cause of preventable death," said Adelle Adams, a health educator in the Tobacco Prevention and Education Program of the Marion County Health Department. "As we see smoking rates go down, it's very likely that we will also see improved health outcomes." Clearly, prevention and education are paying off, Adams and other public health officials said Monday.

"We have the tobacco prevention programs throughout the state of Oregon. That program is in every county. We have a coordinator in every county who works on policy changes to reduce tobacco use," said Randi Phillips, a public health supervisor in the Polk County Health Department.

Anti-smoking policies and laws also have played a role in cutting smoking, officials said.

The report said most smokers want to quit, regardless of income level, citing surveys in which 80 percent of Oregonians who smoke said they would like to quit and 51 percent said they stopped for at least a day in the past year in an attempt to
quit.

January 1, 2009 - The Oregon Smokefree Workplace Law (Oregon Indoor Clean Air Act)

Reference: Low-income Oregonians cling to their cigarettes, report says Smoking rate drops overall and among children, officials say, staff, Journal reporter Alan Gustafson contributed to this story, Statesman Journal, 8/10/2010.

Oregon - some related news briefs:
Oregon - e-cigarette distributor Smoking Everywhere will halt sales in Oregon..;
Oregon Supreme Court rejects smoker's $100 million damage award..;
In Process: Oregon - online cigarette marketer not immune from state laws..;
Oregon - residents are smoking less though ranked 35th in tobacco control spending..;
Oregon - one-year later, smoke-free law is a success..;
Orgeon - files lawsuit against e-cigarette company..;
Oregon - electronic (e) cigarettes sales prohibited until approved by FDA..;
Oregon - cigarette butt law passed in State House..;
Oregon - House passes bill to increase the tax on smokeless tobacco..;
Will the Oregon cigarette butt law pass this year..;
Portland, Oregon - Camel ORBS - candy-like tobacco tablets..;
Why does R.J. Reynolds Tobacco keep on selecting Portland, OR as a test site..;
Oregon - STOP Tobacco Companies from passing out free smokeless tobacco..;
http://snus-news.blogspot.com/2009/01/january-15-2009.html;
Oregon Governor wants cigarette vendings machines banned..;
Oregon January 1, 2009 Smoking Ban Expanded..;
Oregon - smoking ban to expand, prepares for Camel Dissolvables..;

Read more...

Saudi Arabia - to launch a natioinwide anti-smoking campaign..

August 12, 2010 - RIYADH: The Ministry of Health is to launch a nationwide anti-smoking campaign to coincide with Ramadan, said Dr. Majed Al-Munif, supervisor general of the Tobacco Control Program at the ministry. “It’s a timely launch geared to reduce the smoking population in the Kingdom,” said Al-Munif, adding that the campaign will use both the electronic and print media.

On June 24, 2010 we reported there is a growing concern in Saudi Arabia because of the continuing increase in the number of smokers of both sexes, especially among young people and minors. (Saudi Arabia - number of smokers has increased..)

Recently Saudi Arabia did attend a 4-day event entitled, "Framework Convention on Tobacco Control [FCTC] policies and their implementation in Arab countries," at American University of Beirut (AUB), Lebanon.

Al-Munif said that special messages requesting people to quit smoking will be broadcast on television and radio, and thousands of leaflets, brochures and posters on how to quit smoking during Ramadan will be distributed and displayed throughout the Kingdom’s 20 health regions.

The ministry is to also launch a website — Kingdom of Saudi Arabia — Ministry of Health Tobacco Control Program on the subject. The site will also provide general guidelines for smokers to quit smoking, he added. “We will also try to reach a section of people through the Kingdom’s Daw’ah centers to encourage people to stop smoking,” said Al-Munif, adding that officials will also target people at the Kingdom’s airports.

“The holy month provides an ideal opportunity to give up smoking which has killed around 29 million people in the world,” he said, adding that the campaign will also be carried out through some 50 anti-smoking clinics across the Kingdom. The clinics will remain open daily from 9 p.m. to 3 a.m. during Ramadan.

There are 10 such clinics in Riyadh, two of which are exclusively for women.

“If smokers can do without tobacco during the day, why can’t they do without it during the night also? This will be the main emphasis of our campaign,” said Al-Munif. He also called on smokers to use scientific methods to quit smoking and not to reject the positive effects of herbal treatment. “We are trying to reach smokers through mosques, anti-smoking clinics, public places, parks, malls, hospitals and schools,” he said.

Indicating that more than 100 million people have died of tobacco-related diseases during the last century, he said that the number is likely to increase to 1 billion during this century if constructive efforts are not taken to curtail the problem.

The Kingdom imports around 45,000 tons of tobacco to the value of SR1.7 billion for local consumption. A portion of this is taken abroad by expatriate workers as cigarette prices are cheaper in the Kingdom compared to abroad.

More than 600,000 school students in the Kingdom under the age of 22 smoke. It was also found that the majority of students who smoke do so due to peer pressure, seeing fathers smoke, and frustration on account of parental neglect.

The Kingdom joined the anti-tobacco agreement in May 2005. Saudi Arabia ranks fourth among world countries in tobacco imports and consumption. (Saudi Arabia ratified the
Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) public health treaty on May 9, 2005.)

More than 15 billion cigarettes worth $168 million are smoked by Saudis per year, according to the figures of the Gulf Cooperation Council’s Health Ministers Council.

Reference: MOH to launch nationwide anti-smoking campaign during Ramadan by MD RASOOLDEEN, ARAB NEWS, 8/10/2010.

Saudi Arabia - some related news briefs:
Saudi Arabia - campaign underway to educate the public especially targeting young people..;
Saudi Arabia - ban smoking at all airports..;
Saudi Arabia - Shoura Council to provide advice on Anti-Smoking Law..;
Saudi Arabia - number of smokers has increased..;
Hajj (Pilgrimage to Mecca and Medina) - possible healthier environment this year..;
Saudi Arabia - anti-smoking regulations approved in August 2003 not yet implemented..;
Saudi Arabia - rid country of public smoking zones..;
Saudi Arabia - bans use of cessation drugs Champix and Zyban..;
Saudi Arabia - banning sales of electronic (e) cigarettes..;
Saudi Arabia - smokers to pay higher health insurance premium..;
50 lashes for smoker on Saudia Arabian Airlines..;
Saudi court set to hear tobacco compensation case..;
Saudis to sue tobacco firms for more than $2.7 billion Ryadh, Saudi Arabia..
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Lorillard Chooses Former UST Chief Executive Murray Kessler as President, CEO ..

August 12, 2010 - Kessler, 51, starts at Lorillard on Sept. 13, succeeding Martin Orlowsky, the Greensboro, North Carolina-based maker of Newport cigarettes said today in a statement. Kessler will also replace Orlowsky as chairman next year, as part of succession planning the company started nine months ago. (Lorillard - president and CEO Orlowsky to be replaced after December 31, 2010)

Murray Kessler takes charge as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) examines the health effects of menthol in cigarettes. Marketing restrictions or banning menthol would threaten Newport, which accounted for 92 percent of Lorillard’s more than $5 billion in sales last year. A non-menthol version of Newport will go on sale in November, the company said last week. (Lorillard to launch non-menthol variety of Newport in November 2010..)

Kessler worked at Altria Group Inc. during the first six months of 2009, following the largest U.S. tobacco company’s acquisition of UST Inc. Kessler had served as chairman and CEO of UST, which now operates as an Altria division, U.S. Smokeless Tobacco Co. The unit’s products include Skoal and Copenhagen snuff. (Murray Kessler leaving Altria at the end of June 2009..)

Kessler’s compensation at Lorillard includes base pay of $1.2 million a year and a signing bonus of $1 million, according to a securities filing. Mr. Kessler earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Villanova University and an M.B.A. in marketing and finance from New York University's Stern School. Lorillard Inc. CEO Martin L. Orlowsky made 36 percent less in 2009 than on 2008.. The Board of Directors has entered into a consulting agreement with Mr. Orlowsky to provide ongoing advice to the Company for a period of two years following his retirement.

Back in February 2010 Lorillard announced it will launch a new moist smokeless product in not-too-distant future.. Murray Kessler has stated that "Nine out of 10 smokers that try smokeless still reject the product." Lorillard discontinued their snus entry, Triumph in February 2010.

References: Lorillard Names Former UST Chief Kessler as CEO, Succeeding Orlowsky by Chris Burritt (cburritt@bloomberg.net), Bloomberg.com, 8/12/2010; Lorillard, Inc. Elects Murray S. Kessler President and Chief Executive Officer Succeeding Martin L. Orlowsky, SOURCE Lorillard, Inc., PR Newswire, 8/12/2010.

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New York State - after tax increase cigarette sales plummet in c-stores..

August 12, 2010 - ALBANY, N.Y. -- The first six weeks following a cigarette tax-rate increase in New York showed a plunge in sales at convenience stores statewide, mainly because most smokers are finding ways to dodge the tax altogether, according to a report from the New York Association of Convenience Stores (NYACS).

On July 1, Gov. Paterson and the Legislature increased the cigarette excise tax in New York State from $2.75 a pack to $4.35, the highest state tax rate in the country. As NYACS predicted, the 58% jump unleashed a new wave of cigarette tax evasion, as tens of thousands of additional smokers—shocked at $9 to $12 pack prices—shifted their purchases to tax-free tribal smoke shops, the black market, and border states with lower tax rates, according to NYACS.

Field reports indicate convenience stores have suffered an average drop of 25% to 35% in cigarette packs during July, but that those in closest proximity to tribal outlets and state borders experienced losses of up to 45%. Meanwhile, Indian reservation and border-state "tax havens" are flourishing, with sales up as much as 300% at some outlets, NYACS reported.

"New York State has now increased its cigarette excise 691% in the past 10 years without closing off readily available channels for dodging that tax," said NYACS president James Calvin. "As a consequence, we're approaching the point where two-thirds of the cigarettes consumed in New York are purchased without collection of any New York State tax whatsoever.

"Law-abiding stores like ours lose enormous amounts of business, state and local governments lose hundreds of millions in tax revenue, and public health loses because the financial incentive to quit is easily and routinely circumvented. So what did the Governor and Legislature accomplish with this tax hike exactly?"

The upswing in tax evasion heightens the urgency for Gov. Paterson to follow through on the scheduled September 1 start of tax collection on Native American sales of cigarettes to non-Indian customers, currently the busiest avenue of cigarette tax avoidance in New York, costing the state $1.5 billion in lost revenue, according to NYACS.

The state law enacting the tobacco tax increases also set forth a plan to exercise New York's right to collect these taxes by requiring wholesale distributors, beginning Sept. 1, to certify that they are prepaying the tax before delivering cigarettes, so that the tax is built into the price paid by customers at both Indian and non-Indian stores.

The cigarette-tax plan would also allow the state to begin collecting taxes from the sale of cigarettes on American Indian reservations to non-tribal citizens, a revenue source that is expected to bring about $150 million. Cigarettes sold to tribe members would not be taxed.

Collecting taxes from cigarettes sold on reservations has been a long-sought source of revenue for the state and is opposed by the state's American Indian tribes. Enforcement would begin September 1, 2010. (New York State - state democrats insist governor tax cigarettes sold on Indian reservations..; NY State Governor Patterson - part of budget - collect Indian cigarette taxes..; NYC - wins round in fight against Indian Tobacco Vendors..)

Calvin said anyone who tries to attribute the 25% to 35% drop in sales to smokers quitting "is in La-La Land. Two or three percent, maybe as many as 5% have quit smoking. The rest just quit coming to our stores but continue to smoke cigarettes they found cheaper elsewhere."

On August 1, the situation got even worse for New York convenience stores, which have traditionally relied on tobacco as a major product category. Dramatic increases in state excises taxes on other tobacco products, such as cigars and smokeless tobacco, took effect, chasing even more of their customers to no-tax or lower-tax venues. (New York State - as of August 1st OTPs tax goes up such as little cigars will be taxed at same rate as cigarettes..)

The one-two tax punch threatens to cripple many c-stores—especially mom-and-pop independents and those closest to Indian reservations and the Pennsylvania border, NYACS said.

"It's not just the loss of sales revenue from cigarettes themselves," Calvin said. "It's fewer customers coming through the door to buy cigarettes and other merchandise. For example, many stores have seen a corresponding drop in lottery sales."

The Post-Standard newspaper reports a pack of Marlboros hovered around $6 or $7 a pack at convenience stores before the tax hike. Now, a pack costs $9.60. A pack of Senecas are $3.50 at the Onondaga Nation Smoke Shop. That's $2.52 less than the tax alone on the average pack of non-Nation cigarettes. A pack of Marlboro's costs $6.

Reference: N.Y. Cigarette Sales Plummet C-stores bear the brunt of tax hike, see 25%-35% drop in volume, Convenience Store/Petroleum (CSP) Daily News, 8/12/2010.
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This Day in History - 103 years ago.. columnist comments on smoking right-on..

August 11, 2010 - On This Day in History: On August 11, 1907 Brooklyn Daily Eagle, columnist Julius Chambers may have stepped on some toes, both male and female, with his comments on smoking in those days.

Take a look you'll be amazed..

Where There’s Smoke, There’s Ire by Vernon Parker (history@brooklyneagle.net), Brooklyn Daily Eagle, published online 08-11-2010

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Cigarettes seized from truck carrying cigarettes between reservations.. Cigarettes will now to be returned..

August 11, 2010 - A Seneca Nation businessman who is challenging a federal law that makes it illegal to ship cigarettes through the mail called the seizure of thousands of cartons of his cigarettes from a delivery truck "clear retaliation" for his lawsuit.

The cigarettes were seized Monday the day before lawyers for Aaron Pierce and 140 members of the Seneca Free Trade Association were due in U.S. District Court in Buffalo to continue their challenge to the Prevent All Cigarette Trafficking Act (PACT Act).

U.S. Federal Court - appeal of judges split decision regarding PACT Act..;
Seneca Indians - split ruling from NY judge on cigarette regulation..;
Seneca Nation - judge extends temporary reprieve from law to block mail delivery off cigarettes until July 30th..;

State tax agents pulled over the truck owned by Pierce's AJ's Wholesale LLC of Irving as it was making deliveries between Seneca reservations in western New York. Taxation and Finance spokesman Brad Maione confirmed cigarettes were seized because they did not bear state tax stamps as required by law. The cigarettes were on state property between the Cattaraugus and Allegany reservations when the seizure took place, he said.

New York state says it will return a truck full of untaxed cigarettes that was seized by taxing agents as it made deliveries between two Seneca Indian Nation reservations. State Taxation and Finance spokesman Brad Maione said Wednesday that while Monday's stop and seizure were legal, a review of the facts led to the decision to return Seneca businessman Aaron Pierce's truck and its contents. Maione did not elaborate. (NY to return seized Native American cigarettes, Associated Press, 8/11/2010)
Maione declined to comment Tuesday on Pierce's claim of retaliation or to release more information. He said an investigation was ongoing.

Lawyers were in U.S. District Court in Buffalo on Tuesday afternoon for a hearing on the new law that prohibits cigarette sellers from delivering tobacco by mail and requires them to comply with taxing regulations in the locations where they do business.

The Seneca businesses asked a judge to stop the government from enforcing the PACT Act while they appeal a recent court ruling that upheld the mail ban while putting a hold on the taxation provisions.

That split ruling also is being appealed by the government, whose lawyers argue that sellers should have to comply with laws in the areas where their products are delivered.

Seneca-owned businesses in western New York dominate the mail-order cigarette market.

Pierce said agents who conducted the seizure in the Cattaraugus County town of Dayton on Monday left his driver and boxes of melting candy along the side of the road. "This outrageous seizure is clear retaliation for my company's litigation in federal court," he said.

The issue of taxing cigarette sales has caused conflict between the state and its Indian nations for decades. Collecting taxes from cigarettes sold on reservations has been a long-sought source of revenue for the state and is opposed by the state's American Indian tribes. Enforcement would begin September 1, 2010. (New York State - state democrats insist governor tax cigarettes sold on Indian reservations..; NY State Governor Patterson - part of budget - collect Indian cigarette taxes..; NYC - wins round in fight against Indian Tobacco Vendors..)

Reference: Cigarettes seized between NY Indian reservations, © 2010 The Associated Press, 8/10/2010. Read more...

U.S. Federal Court - appeal of judges split decision regarding PACT Act..

August 11, 2010 - U.S. Federal District Court Judge Richard Arcara today, August 9th will hear arguments by both sides – the U.S. government and the Seneca Free Trade Association -- appealing his split decision made last week regarding the constitutionality of the Prevent All Cigarette Trafficking Act (PACT Act), the Jamestown Post-Journal reported.

In a mixed decision, on Friday, July 30th, Judge Richard Arcara upheld the mail-order ban contained in the Prevent All Cigarette Trafficking Act (PACT) but temporarily exempted more than 140 Seneca-owned businesses from a provision requiring them to comply with all taxing laws in the places they sell cigarettes. (Seneca Indians - split ruling from NY judge on cigarette regulation..)

Approved by Congress and signed into law by President Obama earlier this year, the PACT Act would prevent cigarette shipments to be made using the U.S. Postal Service, as well as ensure remote sellers of cigarettes and tobacco products charged the applicable state excise taxes and verified buyers' ages.

The appeals, both filed Friday, August 6th object to Arcara's ruling that a mailing prohibition on cigarettes and other tobacco was legal, but did not require tax collections from remote sellers of tobacco products.

The Seneca Free Trade Association, made up of Seneca merchants, challenged the constitutionality of the act, and questioned the legality of its members having to comply with a requirement of prepaying the taxes of the shipment's destination, the report stated.

While Senecas also argue they should be able to ship products, the federal government believes taxes should be paid on the products, an element of the law Arcara ruled against.

Until a ruling is made, the Seneca organization is asking Arcara to allow its members to use the U.S. Postal Service.

U.S. Attorney William Hochul said his office feels congress acted appropriately in voting for the PACT Act, the president signed the law, making it "the law of the land." "It's our role to defend that," he told the newspaper.

In its appeal of Arcara's ruling that taxes do not yet have to be collected for interstate tobacco sales, the government cited other interstate examples, including on-line pharmacies that must comply with other states' licensing of pharmacists and gun laws that must be adhered to for other states, the newspaper reported.

Governmental court documents cited by the paper state Seneca merchants "have no right to undercut their brick-and-mortar competitors by selling tobacco products tax-free." It also noted Congress found remote sales make it cheaper and easier for minors to obtain tobacco products.

"Congress crafted the PACT Act to confront special problems presented by remote tobacco product sales by requiring remote sellers comply with laws of destination jurisdictions," the governmental court documents state, adding Arcara's previous ruling not requiring the tax collections is "against public interest."

Reference: PACT Act Appeals Underway, Convenience Store News, 8/9/2010.

Some PACT related news briefs:
PACT Act - sometimes soldiers in Iraq or Afghanistan can't get the cigarettes they want..;
U.S. PACT Law takes effect June 29, 2010..;
President Obama Signs PACT Act Into Law..;
U.S. House passed PACT Act again now awaits presidential signature and it's law..;
U.S. Senate - unanimously passes the PACT Act..;
Disappointment - U.S. legislators from New York State are delaying passage of PACT Act..;
NATO - urging retailers to call their U.S.Senators to get the PACT Act passed..;
U.S. let's get the PACT bill passed by congress and then signed into law..;
NY State - Seneca Indians - lobbying against the PACT act.;
U.S. - Senate Judiciary Committee Approves PACT ACT..;
U.S. - Senate Committee scheduled to vote on PACT..;
Web-Based Companies must stop selling flavored cigarettes..;
Internet, Flavors everywhere - snuff being marketed to kids as hip, cool and healthy..;
U.S. customs officials bar imports bearing the Philip Morris USA trademark..;
Let's Get It Passed - Prevent All Tobacco Trafficking Act of 2009..;
U.S - PACT legislation passed by House..;
U.S. - PACT Legislation to be considered by House this month..;
We must get the United States Postal Service (USPS) out of the tobacco delivery business..;
PACT Legislation now in the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee..;
U.S. House Passes Bill to Prevent Tobacco Delivery By Mail..;
We must get the United States Postal Service (USPS) out of the tobacco delivery business..
Protect Our Children - Make it illegal to use the U.S. Postal Service to deliver any form of tobacco product...
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Australia - alliance of retail groups funded by big tobacco suffers major loss in fight against plain cigarette packs..

August 11, 2010 - Back on August 4, 2010 we reported that big tobacco companies are fighting back against the Government's plans to introduce plain cigarette packaging by funding small retailers in a massive advertising campaign timed to coincide with the final weeks of the election campaign - the election is on August 21, 2010. (Australia - big tobacco fighting back against plans to introduce plain cigarette packaging.. - also see background information at this news brief..)

An alliance of retail groups, which had been funded by the multi-national tobacco giants, yesterday collapsed with one of the key groups, the Australian Association of Convenience Stores (AACS), being forced by Coles, through its subsidiary Coles Express, to withdraw. COLES has pulled out of a $5 million pro-smoking election ad campaign with links to former Liberal party strategists and funded by the tobacco industry.

The anti-Labor advertisements against the Federal Government's proposed plain packaging for tobacco products are scheduled to begin running today in newspapers after initially being pulled.

Sources in the retail industry confirmed that Coles, which chairs the board of the AACS, forced the board to withdraw the retail group and its members, including Caltex, Shell and BP, from the campaign, after being misled on the nature of the ads.

It also can be revealed that an alliance of health and medical bodies is launching legal action against the tobacco industry to force the ads to be withdrawn.

Neither the Alliance nor the tobacco companies returned calls.

Opposition Leader Tony Abbott has denied involvement from Liberal Party members after it was revealed that Liberal strategist Crosby Textor was on a retainer with British American Tobacco. The two men employed by the tobacco industry, believed to be the campaign masterminds, were also former Howard Government advisers and one was a former employee of Crosby Textor.

Public Health Association of Australia president Mike Daube yesterday said they had obtained legal advice to try to stop the campaign going ahead. "I would say it reflects well on Wesfarmers and Coles, having a major company acting very responsibly," he said. "We have legal advice that health groups have sought, with preliminary advice from Julian Burnside SC, there is an arguable case that the advertisements are misleading and deceptive."

One alliance member said he was appalled at the way the campaign had been run, and that the tobacco industry was hiding behind the retailers: "We have become the middle man in this, it has been run so badly."

Reference: Cigarette ads lose big backers, Simon Benson, The Daily Telegraph, 8/11/2010

A few related news briefs - plain packaging:
Australia - big tobacco fighting back against plans to introduce plain cigarette packaging..;
Australia - new Prime Minister Julia Gillard..;
New Zealand - plain cigarette and tobacco packs could turn teenagers off smoking..;
Australia - tobacco tax increase now in force, next comes plain tobacco packaging..;
Australia - plain packages on all tobacco products within 2-years..;
Australian study - Plainer cigarette packages, perceived as boring or unattractive, would make smoking much less appealing to teens..;
Australia - federal government is currently analyzing recommendations for reducing smoking..;
United Kingdom - cigarette makers oppose plain packaging..;
United Kingdom - halve the number of smokers by end of decade..;
UK - Richard Branson makes high-profile plea for tobacco control measures to protect children..;
UK - House of Lords -debate on tobacco plain packaging..;
British considering banning logos on cigarette packs, other measures..;

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Japan Tobacco - annual survey, smoking incidence continues to fall..

August 11, 2010 - Japan Tobacco Inc. (JT) today, August 11th announced the results of its Japan Smoking Rate Survey, a study that has been carried out annually since 1965.

2009 - Japan Tobacco, Inc, annual survey finds 24.9% adults smoke..;

2008 - Japan Tobacco Inc. (JTI) results of its Japan Smoking Rate Survey..

The survey, conducted in May 2010, showed that 23.9 percent of Japanese adults are smokers. The incidence of smoking in Japan dropped by one percentage point between 2009, when 24.9 per cent of the country’s adult population comprised smokers, and this year, by when that figure had fallen to 23.9 per cent.

The incidence of smoking among adult men this year, at 36.6 per cent, was down by 2.3 percentage points, while the incidence of smoking among adult women, at 12.6 per cent, was up by 0.2 of a percentage point.

Using population figures from the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications’ Statistics Bureau, the above figures indicate that Japan has 24.95 million smokers, down from 26.01 million last year. Of this year’s total figure, 18.40 million would be men and 6.55 million women, while last year’s total figure would have comprised 19.57 million men and 6.44 million women.

JT says the decrease in the smoking rate in Japan between 2009 and 2010 was a continuation of the trend of recent previous years. It attributed the decrease to various factors, including the aging of Japan’s society, increasing health consciousness, more stringent smoking regulations, and anticipation of major retail price increases in October that will be necessary mainly because of a planned tobacco excise tax hike. In presenting the results of the survey, JT said it would continue its efforts to help build a society in which smokers and non-smokers could co-exist in harmony.

See first reference for survey press release with tables and access to previous years surveys.

References: JT's Annual Survey Finds 23.9 percent of Japanese Adults Are Smokers, Press Release, Japan Tobacco Inc., 8/11/2010; Japan’s smoking incidence continues to fall, Tobacco Reporter, 8/11/2010.

Japan - some related news briefs:
Japan - McDonald's to introduce smoking ban over next several years..;
Japan - nation's first smoke-free beach opens for season in Kanagawa Prefecture..:
Osaka, Japan - smoking ban in taxis from July 2010..;
Japan - people more aware of dangers of smoking cigarettes - dangers to smokers and those around them..;
Japan - 7 governors consider measures against passive smoking..;
Japan, Kanagawa Prefecture to ban smoking on beaches..;
Japan - Health Ministry set to urge all local governments to go smoke-free..;
Japan - TASPO (tobacco passport) cards to confirm legal age of cigarette purchaser..;
Tokyo, Japan - smokers find haven on smoke-free streets..;
Japan Tobacco - reacts angrily to governments decision to raise cigarette tax..;
Japan - tax increase, a pack of 20 cigarettes will increase by an average of 33%..;
Japan - cigarette taxes increase may be less than expected..;
Japan - prime minister calls for tobacco tax increase..;
Japan Tobacco growing popularity of its British cigarette brands..;
Japan - new government administration considering raising cigarette taxes..;
Japan - plaintiffs have slim chance of winning against big tobacco..;
Japan - convenience store sales fell in June 2009..;
Japan - tobacco control people upset with smoker-only cafes..;
Japan - Tokyo smoking cafes, people with children, those under 20 NOT allowed..;
Japan - Kanagawa - bans smoking in public places starting April 2010..;
Japan shelves tobacco tax hike for 2009..;
Japan - Ruling party plans tobacco tax hike in 2009..;
Japan Tobacco Starts Petition To Fight Tax Increase..;
How to get most smokers to quit?? - Keep On Raising The Price..;
Japanese lawmakers want to triple cigarette prices..;
Japanese tobacco giants focus on point-of-sales cigarette purchases..;
Japan - photos can be used to fool the age-verification cameras on some vending machines..;
Vending Machines - Japanese protecting their children from becoming life-long nicotine addicts...

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