December 4, 2009 - R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co., maker of Camel cigarettes, said Friday it is offering buyouts to about 1,800 workers at its North Carolina factories to cut costs.
The company does not have a specific number of jobs it hopes to cut, spokeswoman Jan Smith said. There are other productivity improvements and cuts the company, based in Winston-Salem, N.C., could make in manufacturing, depending how many employees take the buyout, which includes severance pay, Smith said.
"This process will not result in job eliminations among anyone who doesn't raise their hand and say they're interested," Smith said.
The move comes as tax increases, health concerns, smoking bans and social stigma continue cutting into demand for cigarettes.
Parent company Reynolds American Inc., the nation's second-largest tobacco company, said it shipped 11 percent fewer cigarettes in this year's third quarter than last and estimated the industry's decline at 12.6 percent.
Altria Group Inc. - based in Richmond, Va., and owner of the nation's largest cigarette maker, Philip Morris USA, which makes Marlboros - closed its Cabarrus County, N.C., cigarette factory in July to bring its manufacturing capacity in line with falling demand.
Employees who elect to take the current Reynolds Tobacco buyout could begin leaving as early as January, Smith said, though the process may last until 2011.
Reference: Reynolds offers buyouts to manufacturing workers by MICHAEL FELBERBAUM, Associated Press, 12/4/2009.
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R.J. Reynolds offering buyouts to about 1,800 workers..
Indonesia - another protest rejecting the new cigarette excise tax..
Report on previous protest: Indonesia - workers from small cigarette producers protest excise tax increase..
The demonstrators urged Finance Minister Sri Mulyani to resign for having issued the policy. "The finance minister does not support small cigarette firms," protester Eny Mariyanti said.
Ahmad Guntur, the chairman of the Indonesian Cigarette Industry Forum (Formasi), said small cigarette companies would see a 60 percent increase in their excise under the new policy. "It's too much for them," he said.
Reference: Hundreds of workers reject new cigarette excise, The Jakarta Post, 12/3/2009.
Indonesia related news briefs:
Indonesia - workers from small cigarette producers protest excise tax increase..;
Indonesia - cigarette industry has pledged to stage a demonstration to protest a government plan to increase excise tax.;
Indonesia - the last paradise for a puff in Southeast Asia..;
Indonesia - trade minister officials want to meet with US counterparts to discuss ban on clove cigarettes..;
Indonesia - PT BAT Indonesia to merge with PT Bentoel International Investama Terbuka..;
Indonesia - missing tobacco regulation in approved Health Law..;
Indonesia - section on tobacco in health bill disappears..;
Indonesia - Constitutional Court by close vote rules that tobacco ads can continue..;
Indonesia - parent smoking can negatively affect the nutrition of children..;
Indonesia - new council member suspect in cigarette fraud case..;
Indonesia - an NGO commission assists cigarettes must be banned in films..
Indonesia - a paradise for tobacco companies..
Indonesia - after buying cigarettes very little left for food..;
Indonesia - will they ratify the first world public health treaty..;
Indonesia - last paradise to smoke in public places in Southeast Asia..;
Indonesia - Industry minister to close tobacco to new foreign investment..;
Indonesia Finance Ministry to cap tax deductions for tobacco companies..;
Indonesia - Smoking hits poor families the hardest, making the poor even poorer..;
Indonesia - Cigarette makers defy crisis, grows stronger..;
Indonesia - government may raise cigarette excise tax next year..;
WHO - Indonesia is crying out for your help..;
Indonesia - dispute with U.S. over banning the use of clove in cigarettes..;
Indonesia 'cash cow' for Philip Morris International..;
Tobacco industry has long targeted young people as "replacement smokers";
Indonesia - district court dismisses request to ratify FCTC..;
Asean Countries - Tobacco Industry Blocking Global Treaty On Tobacco..; Indonesia - farmers hold rally protest tobacco controls..;
Indonesia - tobacco farmers reject Islamic council's edict..;
Indonesia - Ulema Council - debate results is split on smoking..;
Indonesia - Withdraw Sponsorhip of Another Rock Concert..;
Indonesia to increase tax on tobacco products..;
Semarang, Indonesia - Cigarette Smoking Areas to be Prepared..;
Jakarta, Indonesia - Malls help enforce non-smoking ban..;
Indonesia - federal anti-smoking laws in one year - MAYBE..;
Indonesia - NGO's (non-government organizations) Demand the Government Ratify WHO's FCTC.;
Indonesia to raise cigarette tax by 6 to 7% in 2009..;
Surabaya, Indonesia - anti-smoking bylaw 10/2009 - FOR REAL??
Indonesians smoking more than ever before..;
Indonesia further rise in the excise tax would hurt the cigarette industry..;
Alicia Keys - Jakarta Concert (July 31st) tobacco companies forced to withdraw sponsorship.. and
Most Indonesians support moves to ban tobacco advertisements...
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Lorillard responds to SAMHSA Report on use of menthol cigarettes..
December 4, 2009 - Lorillard Tobacco Company today, December 3rd issued the following statement with regard to the report from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) about the use of menthol cigarettes, which was released today by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).
"While we have not had the opportunity to review this report in depth, the most comprehensive government sponsored studies show that populations who use menthol have lower smoking rates across all age groups.
"Importantly, this report appears to ignore the chief finding of the survey -- that menthol use among underage smokers has leveled off in the last year. According to current data, adult smoking rates continue to decline, while youth rates are at historic lows and have been in decline for more than a decade.
"The current weight of scientific evidence does not support the conclusion that menthol cigarettes confer a greater health risk than non-menthol.
"Lorillard looks forward to cooperating with the FDA as it makes an objective science-based assessment in its review of menthol."
About Lorillard, Inc.
Lorillard, Inc. (NYSE: LO), based in Greensboro, is the third largest manufacturer of cigarettes in the United States. Lorillard was founded in 1760, and is the oldest continuously operating tobacco company in the U.S. The company's headquarters has been based in Greensboro since 1997, and it has maintained production, distribution and research and development operations in Greensboro since 1956. Newport®, Lorillard's flagship brand, is a menthol-flavored premium cigarette brand and the top selling menthol and second largest selling cigarette in the U.S. In addition to Newport, the Lorillard product line has five additional brand families marketed under the Kent®, True®, Maverick®, Old Gold® and Max® brand names. These six brands include 44 different product offerings which vary in price, taste, flavor, length and packaging. Lorillard's manufactures all of its products at its Greensboro, North Carolina facility and maintains its headquarters there. For more information, visit the Company's web site at www.lorillard.com.
Reference: Lorillard Tobacco Company Responds to SAMHSA Report on Use of Menthol Cigarettes, SOURCE Lorillard Tobacco Company, 12/3/2009.
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Japan - cigarette taxes increase may be less than expected..
Investors in Japan Tobacco (JT) were relieved by a report that the government would hike taxes on cigarettes by less than expected. Shares of Japan Tobacco (2914.T) gained the most in 13 months on Thursday, December 3rd.
The Japanese government plans to raise the tax on tobacco by a few yen per cigarette, Kyodo news agency reported, a much smaller increase than the 10-20 yen anticipated by some market participants. (Kyodo News Agency: The government is considering raising Japan's tobacco tax by around 3 yen per cigarette starting in fiscal 2010 to "improve public health," ruling party lawmakers said Thursday, December 3rd. "It's positive if the tax hike is only 2-3 yen per cigarette, as there have been concerns about a much heftier hike, like pushing up prices to 500 yen a pack or more," said Takeshi Osawa, senior fund manager at Norinchukin Zenkyoren Asset Management.
A pack of 20 cigarettes in Japan costs around 300 yen ($3.40), including a tobacco tax of about 175 yen or 58 percent.
While a higher tax on tobacco was not among the key campaign pledges by the Democratic Party, which took office in September, Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama is advocating one to curb smoking. Some government officials have said tobacco prices in Japan are not high enough to discourage smoking compared with other developed countries, fuelling speculation about a large tax hike.
Cigarette taxes have been raised three times since 1998, but only by 1 yen per cigarette, ensuring that tax revenue stays around the 2 trillion yen mark. Tax revenue from cigarettes in fiscal 2007 stood at 2.27 trillion yen. They are currently taxed at 8.7 yen per cigarette. A government tax committee will finalize its outline for a reform of the tax system by December 11th. (Tax hike planned for cigarettes in Japan, The Mainichi Daily News, 12/3/2009)
JT controls 65 percent of the Japanese market and the government still owns half of the former state monopoly.
Reference: UPDATE 1-JT shares jump on report of smaller tax hike by Taiga Uranaka, Reuters, 12/3/2009; Japan Tobacco Rises After Report on Cigarette Taxes (Update1) by Junko Hayashi, Bloomberg.com, 12/3/2009.
Japan - some related news briefs:
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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Israel - class-action lawsuit - actress smokes on stage..
Click on image to enlarge:
Israel also had the world's first class action lawsuit on behalf of people who developed lung cancer from smoking menthol cigarettes.
The request was filed by lawyer Amos Hausner, chairman of the National Council for the Prevention of Smoking, on behalf of fellow lawyer and frequent theatergoer Einav Avrahami, who objected to famous actress Orly Zilberschatz-Banai smoking for about half an hour onstage in the play.
Highly praised by Israeli critics, the play is based on the work of American playwright David Mamet. Titled in Hebrew Hamakom Mimenu Bati, it tells the story of an American Jewish man named Bobby Gold who abandons his wife and his home to return to the old Jewish neighborhood where he was raised. Zilberschatz-Banai plays his long-suffering sister and delivers a long monologue during which she smokes.
Hausner told the Post that lawsuits filed in the past by airline stewards and stewardesses - who were constantly exposed to deadly tobacco smoke when there was no legal ban in all sections of the world's airplanes - presented research showing that the stewards were 200 times more likely to develop lung cancer and other diseases due to smoke inhalation.
Hausner asked the court in this case to set the compensation for damages to the theater audience at NIS 1,000 1,000.00 (1,000 Israel New Shekels = 264.346 U.S. Dollars), or a total of NIS 4 million, as he calculated that some 3,800 spectators have seen or will see the play before the end of its run. Avrahami said she was fighting for a principle - that smoking in theaters has been illegal since 1983 and that the health not only of the audience but also of the actors who performed several times a day was at risk as they would be exposed to toxins. Because she was standing on principle, she said she personally was not asking for monetarycompensation.
Three years ago, the Supreme Court awarded NIS 1,000 to one woman exposed to smoke at Focaccetta, a Jerusalem restaurant sued by concerned citizen Irit Shemesh, who was also represented by Hausner. Since then, much higher awards have been handed down by courts, including one in which the lawsuit was certified as a class action against the smoke-filled Tel Aviv club Bella Shlomkins.
Avrahami, who attended the play in the middle of October, argued that the director could easily have given Zilberschatz-Banai a harmless and smokeless substitute. But the theater - a small one with only 158 seats - refused to relent, said Avrahami, who received a letter to that effect from a theater official. Avrahami noted that when a play presents a murder, nobody is murdered to make it look realistic.
Hausner declared that the play's text presents a character as smoking, it did not require the actress or actor to actually light up a cigarette. When no-smoking laws are violated, it is a proper mechanism for the concerned citizen to initiate a court action, including class actions, the lawyer argued.
The theater has not denied any of the allegations, but it claims that it should be exempted from observing the no-smoking provision due to its claim of "freedom of expression."
Reference: Theater sued for onstage smoking scene
by JUDY SIEGEL-ITZKOVICH, The Jerusalem Post, 12/4/2009.
Israel - related news briefs:
Israel - 10,000 die each year from smoking (8,664 smokers and approximately 1500 from secondhand smoke..;
Israel - may initiate a bill to bar smoking in vehicles with kids.. Do it for YURI..;
Israel bans electronic (e) cigarettes..;
Israel - first menthol-cigarette lawsuit in the world filed in Israel..;
Israel - sucking tobacco' illegally imported under ministries' noses..;
Read more...
Saskatchewan - proposed legislation to ban people from smoking in cars carrying kids plus..
Proposed anti-tobacco legislation received first reading in the Saskatchewan legislature on Wednesday, December 2nd..
The law won't include a province-wide crackdown on smoking on restaurant and bar patios, an idea Health Minister Don McMorris said earlier this fall the Saskatchewan Party government was considering. "That doesn't mean that we won't move there in the future," McMorris said Wednesday, December 2nd. "But at this time we've introduced what we think is a pretty strong piece of legislation to help reduce tobacco use in the province."
McMorris said while there was positive support from some groups for a patio smoking ban he also heard a lot of negative feedback.
Municipalities can still choose to put in place rules that ban smoking in outdoor seating areas, as Saskatoon has done, said McMorris, who dismissed suggestions the province is passing the buck. "Any time you introduce tobacco legislation there are many supporters but there are also some detractors ... what would be wimping out would be not to introduce any tobacco legislation," he said.
The Saskatchewan Hotel and Hospitality Association has previously said a patio smoking ban would be a particular blow to many rural hoteliers that sunk money into building patios after taking a hit from the earlier ban on smoking inside.
In Saskatoon, Mayor Don Atchison said he thinks local restrictions on smoking on decks have caused few problems for businesses and are popular with the public. "Quite frankly, what we've done in Saskatoon is create a level playing field for everyone because some have patios and some aren't able to have them," he said Wednesday. He isn't concerned with the city being out of step with the rest of the province on the issue. "I guess perhaps we're just slightly ahead."
NDP Health critic Judy Junor said a progression of the province's smoking ban to include patios seems like the logical next step. "As far as we could tell the minister was going to bring that in. I'd be interested to know what caused him to remove it," Junor said.
While calling the decision not to include a patio smoking ban a disappointment, Saskatchewan health-related organizations welcomed the move to ban smoking in vehicles with children as well as the bill's other measures. "This is a very important day for public health. These initiatives we sought for long, long time and many of them we got today," said Donna Pasiechnik, tobacco control manager for the Canadian Cancer Society. "We had been behind many provinces and this brings us in line with what most provinces are doing," she said, adding the government continues to work with groups on a tobacco control strategy.
The legislation, which could take effect in late 2010, will also prohibit tobacco use on school grounds and in enclosed common spaces of apartment buildings, and stop the sale of flavoured little cigars. Outdoor signs that advertise tobacco, such as the ones sometimes seen outside of gas stations, will no longer be allowed.
Many pharmacies have already quit selling tobacco products but the new law will also restrict large stores, such as grocery stores, that have pharmacies in one area and sell cigarettes in another. McMorris said such stores may still be able to sell tobacco but could be required to set up a separate area to do so. Those details will be set out in regulations that will accompany the law.
The province joins Ontario and Nova Scotia and several American states that have similar bans in place. British Columbia has passed a ban on smoking in cars when children under 16 are present, but it is not yet in force. New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island (P.E.I.)are considering similar bans, with the P.E.I. legislature expected to take action this spring. The U.S. states of Maine, California, Arkansas and Louisiana have passed similar laws, as has Puerto Rico.
Reference: Saskatchewan proposing ban on smoking in vehicles carrying kids under 16 by Angela Hall, Regina Leader-Post - Division of Canwest Publishing Inc, 12/2/2009.
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Saskatchewan - stores mull options on tobacco law..
Proposed anti-tobacco legislation received first reading in the Saskatchewan legislature on Wednesday, December 2nd..
A grocery chain and a pharmacy company say they're looking at pulling cigarettes from their shelves in light of a new law to crack down on tobacco sales. It would also put new restrictions on tobacco sales. If pharmacies and stores that have pharmacies inside — such as supermarkets — want to continue selling tobacco, they are going to have to build separate areas or kiosks, to which minors will not have access.
In response, some stores were saying Wednesday they would rather just stop selling tobacco altogether. John Graham, Canada Safeway's public affairs manager, said when similar legislation was introduced years ago in Ontario, Safeway decided to spend the money to revamp only two stores. In the rest, they pulled tobacco altogether, he said. "Kiosks, though we wouldn't rule them out, aren't most likely the path we would choose to take," Graham said.
Clint Mahlman, the senior vice-president of London Drugs, said his company won't be building kiosks either. He said the law won't help people quit smoking: people who can't get cigarettes at a drug store will get them elsewhere. On the other hand, a drug store is an appropriate place to sell tobacco, because it's where people can buy anti-smoking aids and receive advice from staff about them, Mahlman said.
"Targeting tobacco customers when they're purchasing tobacco is the most effective way to get our smoking cessation methods across to the tobacco user," he said. When a tobacco ban was implemented in Alberta earlier this year, London Drugs saw the sale of stop-smoking aids drop dramatically, he said.
Saskatchewan law currently prohibits smoking in workplaces and many public enclosed areas, including bars, restaurants and curling rinks.
The legislation, which could take effect in late 2010, will also prohibit tobacco use on school grounds and in enclosed common spaces of apartment buildings, and stop the sale of flavoured little cigars. Outdoor signs that advertise tobacco, such as the ones sometimes seen outside of gas stations, will no longer be allowed.The proposed law would also ban smoking on school grounds.
Reference: Stores mull options on tobacco law, CBC News, 12/3/2009.
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Bavarians force referendum on smoking ban next year..
December 4, 2009 - January 1, 2008 eight German states including Bavaria marked the New Year by introducing smoking bans in public places including restaurants and bars. In July 2009 smokers in Bavaria rejoiced as the state’s parliament loosened the regulations on a smoking ban instituted 18 months before. Then on Thursday, October 1, 2009 Germany’s high court in Karlsruhe ruled that Bavaria’s looser implementation of its smoking ban is constitutional.
German State of Bavaria - dark green..
At the latest count, nearly 1.3 million people signed the petition, well over the 940,000, or 10 percent of the Bavarian electorate, needed to force a referendum. The petition was instigated by the Ecological Democratic Party, supported by the Bavarian branch of the Social Democratic Party (SPD), the Green party as well as other ecological and sports organizations.
Unlike other European countries Germany delegated the ruling on its smoking ban to the individual states. Almost all German states have opted to allow exceptions to the ban on smoking in certain restaurants and bars, after originally imposing a total ban.
In Bavaria, a more liberal version of the law came into effect on August 1 this year, allowing smoking in pubs smaller than 75 square meters, as well as in designated separate side rooms. Organizers of the petition and authors of the proposed referendum proposal would like to roll back both of these concessions.
The Social Democratic Party (SDP) is casting the success of the petition as a defeat for the Bavarian center-right ruling coalition of the Christian Social Union (CSU) and the Free Democrat Party, but the head of the CSU group in parliament, Georg Schmid, welcomed the fact that the Bavarian people would have the final say.
All the same, Bavarian interior minister Joachim Herrmann said the state parliament would not, of its own accord, adopt the referendum's proposal in its current radical form.
The pro-smoking lobby remains stubborn on the issue despite the current defeat. The Association for the Preservation of Bavarian Tavern Culture (VEBWK) said it was disappointed in the petition results. VEBWK head Franz Bergmueller told local broadcaster Antenne Bayern, “A social division is looming,” reflecting the views of many die-hard smokers in Bavaria who see smoking as a right and a part of southern German culture.
Reference: Bavarians force referendum on smoking ban, Editor: Michael Lawton, DW-World.de, 12/3/2009.
Related news brief:
Bavaria - court rules, looser implementation of smoking ban constitutional..;
Germany - beer sales are down smoking ban maybe partial blame..;
Bavaria - state's parliament loosened regulation on smoking ban..;
WHO Report on the Global Tobacco Epidemic 2008..;
German sales rise in Germany amid moves to impose smoking ban..
Read more...
Kingdom of Bhutan - assembly debating penalties for people that violate tobacco control bill..
Bhutan Coat-of-Arms, click to enlarge:
The National Assembly is deliberating on penalties for people, who violate the tobacco control bill, after re-inserting the clause, which bans sale of tobacco products that was removed by the National Council in the summer session.
(The ne wdemocratic system comprises an upper and lower house, the latter based on political party affiliations. Elections for the upper house (National Council) were held on December 31, 2007, while elections for the lower house, the 47-seat National Assembly, were held on March 24, 2008.)
Discussing the bill for the third time in the Assembly, the house put back clause C under section 11 that bans “sale of tobacco and tobacco products”. With the clause, any person selling tobacco products is committing an offence, according to the bill.
A person smoking in public spaces and the person-in-charge of the public space will be punished twice with monetary fines and then be penalised, in accordance with the Penal Code of Bhutan 2004, on a third offence, according to the bill. For instance, if a person smokes in a restaurant, the restaurant owner will also be penalised. A public place is defined as any space where people gather.
Anybody, who cultivates, harvests, manufactures, supplies or distributes tobacco and tobacco products in the country, will be penalised according to the penal code. Tobacco smugglers would charged for smuggling.
Members debated, at length, on the severity of the penalties, with some even suggesting a mandatory imprisonment for six months. While some said that the title of the bill was “control,” banning sale of tobacco would be contravening legislation. Others suggested using “ban” on the title. “Imposing monetary fines on a violator, before charging him/her according to the Penal Code won’t work,” said an MP from Trashigang. “Many smokers won’t mind paying the fine. They should be put under police custody immediately,” she said.
With almost all the members presenting their case, the Assembly could not come to a decision yesterday. The discussion will continue today.
Reference: Tobacco bill’s third discussion Sale clause reinserted as parliament decides to get tough by Ugyen Penjore, Kuensel Newspaper, 12/3/2009.
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South Carolina - low cigarette pricing, smuggling, higher insurance premiums, etc..
New York officials say the South Carolina already is the source of cigarettes smuggled illegally into that state. For example, the sales tax alone on a pack of cigarettes in New York City is $3 compared with 7 cents in South Carolina. Rhode Island has the highest state cigarette tax in the nation at $3.46 per pack - the national average is $1.34 a pack.
Smugglers make money by buying cigarettes in South Carolina -- or another low-tax state -- and reselling them in a high-tax state for a price lower than that state's prevailing price, including its taxes. So, the difference in cost from South Carolina to New York City -- almost $30,000 for, say, 1,000 cartons -- would leave plenty of room for a hefty profit, even with the cost of transporting the cigarettes
This ease of making hefty profits is attracting some of the nastiest elements of the criminal world, federal authorities say. The reasons are simple. Profit margins are huge, the risk of getting caught is minimal, and punishment can be mild compared with penalties for other crimes. Getting a handle on the scope of the bootlegging problem is difficult, but profits from smuggling rings run into the tens of millions, federal officials say.
"It's a safer way to make illegal money than typical drug trafficking," said Earl Woodham, a spokesman for the Charlotte office of the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms. "And the profits can be just as good, if not better, than drugs."
As a result of the low tobacco tax SC generates only about $2 million a year in state taxes. Amy Barkley, who monitors the Mid-Atlantic region for the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, called the level “ridiculously low” since pricing at the high end is the most proven method of discouraging people from starting to smoke. More than 5,500 teenagers younger than age 18 pick up the habit in South Carolina every year.
Smoking during pregnancy is associated with an increased in risks of preterm birth.
March of Dimes gives SC a failing grade when it comes to premature births.
Another shortcoming, Amy said, is the small commitment by the S.C. Legislature toward funding tobacco cessation and prevention efforts. Next year the state's package will run only about $2 million — far short of the $62 million the CDC says is needed to be effective.
Maybe in 2010 the state legislature will find a way to pass a hefty increase in the state tobacco tax that the governor will sign. SC General Assembly convenes second Tuesday in January of each year maybe things will be different this time.
Starting January 1, 2010 state workers will be charged a $25 monthly surcharge on the health insurance premiums if worker or any covered family members use tobacco products or have used tobacco products within the past six months. The proposal was the idea of Governor Mark Sanford, but he actually voted against the approved measure because he did not see why the increase couldn't be imposed before the planned start date of January 1, 2010. The state budget board has reported that tobacco-related illnesses are responsible for 7 percent of the $1.1 billion spent for public employees' health care.
South Carolina appears to be doing well with local municipal efforts to curb smoking in public places indoors like the workplace, and bars and restaurants, Amy said. On March 31, 2008, the South Carolina Supreme Court unanimously ruled that local governments have the right to enact and enforce smokefree laws. About 30 local governments in South Carolina have adopted a ban since May 2006, when Sullivan’s Island led the move to outlaw smoking in workplaces. (Cities/Counties South Carolina Smoking Bans, Latest Could Be Rock Hill)
Reference: State's anti-smoking approach draws criticism amid rising rates by Schuyler Kropf - The (Charleston) Post and Courier 11/22/2009 The Herald - Rock Hill, SC
Related news briefs:
Lexington County, South Carolina has a workplace smoking ban..;
South Carolina - governor disappears, maybe its time to slip through a cigarette tax..;
South Carolina - next legislative session starts June 16th..;
South Carolina - lawmakers may disappoint again on cigarette tax increase..;
SC tobacco tax increase - doubt exists maybe NOT this year..;
South Carolina - can we expect a tobacco tax increase this year??;
South Carolina a magnet for cigarette black market..;
South Carolina - legislators eager to pass cigarette tax increase - the odds are against them??;
South Carolina to spend NO money on tobacco prevention..;
South Carolina (SC) will NOT devote any resources to anti-smoking programs..;
In 2008 will the politicians do what's right for the State of South Carolina??;
South Carolina - Tobacco Tax Increase Killed - State House Fails to Override Governor's Veto..
Tobacco Tax Increase – What’s Wrong with South Carolina??
Read more...
Syria - tougher anti-smoking law in force early 2010..
Syria Coat-of-Arms, click to enlarge:
The law covers cigarettes and cigars, as well as traditional 'shisha' water pipes.
"The ban is timely," said Mahmoud Etah, a Syrian doctor. "Smoking, especially of water pipes, has become more prevalent among young people and we are yet to see the full health effects."
According to the Syrian Society for Countering Cancer, 60 percent of adult men and 23 percent of women smoke; 98 percent of people are said to be affected by passive smoking.
The more serious health effects which the measures hope to reduce include lung and mouth cancer, as well as respiratory diseases. The levels of these diseases are not documented in the country, but doctors report an increase in the number of people exhibiting symptoms associated with them. It is for this reason that the ban has been introduced now, said Bassam Abu al-Dahab, former head of the National Programme to Combat Smoking.
The World Health Organization (WHO) does not have any statistics on Syria, but in Egypt it attributes 90 percent of lung cancer deaths to tobacco use. Globally, tobacco-related cancers as a percentage of all cancers are on the rise.
Current trends show that by the year 2020 or 2030, tobacco is likely to be the world's leading cause of death and disability, killing more than 10 million people annually (70 percent of these deaths occurring in developing countries) and claiming more lives than HIV, tuberculosis, maternal mortality, motor vehicle accidents, suicide, and homicide combined. There are about 1.1 billion smokers in the world - about one-third of the global population aged I5 and over, according to WHO. [http://www.emro.who.int/tfi/Facts.htm]
The Syrian government has already passed several laws regulating the tobacco industry and smoking. A 1996 decree banned tobacco advertising and in 2006 Syria banned smoking in government offices and public transport. The new law envisages a 2,000 SYP (US$44) fine on those who break it.
Governmental and voluntary initiatives to raise awareness of the health risks of smoking have increased this year, say activists. "Smoking awareness days" have been held at private educational institutes such as Kalamoon University near Damascus, which has also introduced a ban on smoking in the university campus.
However, the effectiveness of the tougher legal framework is in doubt. Whilst people do not smoke in buses, it is common to see the current laws against smoking flouted in taxis and some government offices, and fines are rarely imposed, they say.
The stricter law will be even harder to enforce, say Syrian restaurant and bar owners, who have expressed dismay at the ban. Ahmad Kozoroch, the owner of Rawda, a famous coffee shop close to the Syrian parliament, said he would resist the ban in his establishment, pointing to the fact that most of his profit comes from water pipes. "The law will hurt my business," said Kozoroch. "I am not sure people will stop smoking. Instead they are likely to pay bribes to official inspectors to avoid the fines."
Related news briefs:
Syria - tobacco control measures to be implemented;
Syria - bans smoking in public places..;
Syrian - spends $600 million each year on tobacco despite ban..
Reference: SYRIA: Tough new law against killer tobacco, Source: IRIN (Integrated Regional Information Networks, acts as a news agency), Reuters and AlertNet, 12/3/2009; SYRIA: Tough new law against killer tobacco, IRINnews.org, 12/3/2009.
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Younger children had higher levels of nicotine ..
The study, by the Institute for Global Tobacco Control at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, looked at hair nicotine concentration in the of 1,284 children from 31 countries in Latin America, Asia, Eastern Europe and the Middle East.
PAPER: Determinants of Hair Nicotine Concentrations in Nonsmoking Women and Children: A Multicountry Study of Secondhand Smoke Exposure in Homes, Sungroul Kim,
Heather Wipfli, Ana Navas-Acien, Francesca Dominici, Erika Avila-Tang1, Georgiana Onicescu, Patrick Breysse, Jonathan M. Samet and on behalf of the FAMRI Homes Study Investigators, Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2009;18(12):3407–14), "http://cebp.aacrjournals.org/content/18/12/3407.abstract?sid=79de7abd-bdf1-4c82-8768-85ebe8cf8747">ABSTRACT..
Reference: Morning cigarette key indicator of intense nicotine dependence, Calgary Herald -
Canwest News Service, 12/2/2009.
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Nicotine dependence - how long until first cigarette after awakening..
A Penn State College of Medicine study found that those who prefer to smoke with the sunrise have much higher levels of cotinine - a byproduct of nicotine when processed by the body - than those who wait to smoke, regardless of the numbers of cigarettes smoked by the end of the day.
Joshua Muscat, professor of public health sciences, said the study, published this week in the Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers and Preventions, shows that the number of cigarettes smoked during the day matters less than the intensity (smoked quickly and inhaled deeply) with which they are smoked.
"There is only a moderate correlation between the number of cigarettes they smoke and their cotinine levels," said Muscat. "The other factor may be the intensity of smoking . . . People who smoke immediately after they wake up are more intense smokers and it is a big predictor of their cotinine levels."
The study examined 252 healthy cigarette smokers. Muscat said the study's findings could point the way to more effective tailoring of tobacco cessation programs.
Reference: Morning cigarette key indicator of intense nicotine dependence, Calgary Herald -
Canwest News Service, 12/2/2009.
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Topeka, Kansas - smoking ban takes effect Friday, Decemer 4, 2010..
Some bars are unsure how the ban will play out. Already, some new bars had opened this year as nonsmoking establishments. A petition seeking to force a public vote that might overturn the ban is still in the works. Petitioners will need valid signatures from at least 5,744 registered Topeka voters. They are working to collect 10,000 signatures before turning in the petition for review and have collected about 3,300 signatures that appear to be valid, organizers said. Gail Trembley, a lead organizer, said more signing events are planned and petitioners will soon start going door-to-door. Currently, petitions are available at bars and other establishments in Topeka. For now, Trembley said bars are getting ready to comply with the new rules.
Topeka police Capt. Jerry Stanley said he was getting "a lot of 11th-hour phone calls about smoking issues." He said business owners should ask anyone violating the ordinance on their property to stop smoking and to call police if they don't.
For details about the ordinance..
Reference: Bars prepare for smoking ban Some establishments are modifying their patios by Barbara Hollingsworth, The Topeka Capital-Journal, 12/3/2009.
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Menthol Cigarettes - smokers who started recently more likely to smoke menthols..
Menthol is an additive used in cigarettes that masks the harshness of cigarette smoke by giving the smoker the sensation of coolness in the mouth, pharynx, and lungs. By masking the harshness, menthol can make it easier for young people to start smoking. Some recent research indicates that menthol cigarettes may be more difficult to quit than other types of cigarettes. Menthol is the only cigarette flavoring still permitted under the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act, but the law calls for research on the public health effects of its continued use in cigarettes.
"Menthol cigarettes may play a role in perpetuating cigarette smoking - one of the most preventable and deadly public health problems plaguing this nation,” said SAMHSA Acting Administrator Eric Broderick, D.D.S., M.P.H. “The apparent allure that menthol cigarettes have among younger, newer smokers is particularly troubling as menthol cigarettes may tempt more people to take up this dangerous deadly habit."
The study shows that the levels of menthol cigarette use among Black smokers (82.6 percent) remains much higher than White smokers (23.8 percent), Hispanic smokers (32.3 percent) and smokers from other racial and ethnic groups. Among Blacks, long-term smokers were more likely to use menthol cigarettes than were those who took up smoking in the past year, which is the opposite of the pattern found among White and Hispanic smokers.
There was also a noticeable rise in the percentage using menthol cigarettes among male current smokers – from 2004 to 2008 (26.9 percent to 30.8 percent).
Use of Menthol Cigarettes is based on 2004 - 2008 data drawn from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, which obtained responses from 340,476 persons aged 12 or older. The full report is available online at URL..
Reference: Smokers Who Started Recently More Likely than Longer-Term Smokers to Use Menthol Cigarettes, New National Study Finds Percentage of Current Smokers Who Use Menthol Cigarettes Increases, SAMHSA, 12/3/2009.
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Liverpool, England - plans for 18 certificates for smoking films shown in Liverpool suffer setback..
Liverpool City Council Coat-of-Arms..
Cllr Malcolm Kelly, who chaired the meeting, said: “We have to look at whether there are good local reasons to impose 18 certificates. “Research was done in the USA and transposed to reflect a percentage of young people in Liverpool. “I believe if this policy is introduced here, it would cause young people to move outside of Liverpool to watch the film or wait until it came out on DVD. That would have an impact on the cinema industry in Liverpool.” A consultation on the issue took place in Liverpool from July to October.
Youth organisation D-MYST collected 11,000 postcards of support for the campaign.
Speaking outside the meeting, Gideon Ben-Tovim, chairman of Liverpool PCT, said: “Backing from a major film-maker and one of the world’s leading academics strengthens a compelling case. “Smoking among young people in Liverpool is very high, with enormous implications for their health. “Using local powers to rate movies with smoking in them would be a major step forward for public health.”
Film-maker John Kirby added: “Liverpool has never been afraid of taking a lead. “I hoped councillors would take the lead on smoking in movies. This would start an unstoppable process and change the way movie-makers operate. We have read the research and believe there is no doubt smoking in films does influence young people to start the habit.”
Reference: Plans for 18 certificates for smoking films shown in Liverpool suffer setback by Tina Miles, Liverpool Echo, 11/28/2009.
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South Africa - BAT wants court to lift ban on "one-to-one" communication with smokers..
A judgment in BAT's favour could reverse amendments to the Tobacco Products Control Amendment Act proclaimed in August. These further curtailed the room companies such as BAT have to market their products. Conventional advertising channels were closed to tobacco producers in 2001 and they have since had to rely on other measures.
There is dispute, however, about exactly what "one-to-one" communication means. The National Council Against Smoking, a lobby group, said BAT wanted to use the challenge to overcome restrictions on advertising and promoting cigarettes to young people, through word-of-mouth invitations to parties promoting smoking. "In practice, this means that the industry will be able to use techniques known as 'viral', 'buzz' or guerrilla marketing to target teens," said spokesman Yussuf Saloojee. BAT denied this.
"This form of communication has absolutely nothing to do with interacting in any shape or form with children or nonsmokers for that matter. Any reference to parties or any other form of mass gathering is totally misleading and disingenuous as all forms of mass communication have been banned," it said.
Mark Ansley, a portfolio manager with Cadiz Asset Management in Cape Town, said producers accepted that sales volumes were falling and in response, were trying to promote more expensive brands and lure customers from rivals. Word of mouth was one of the few ways to do this.
"There are not many options left after that, are there?" Ansley said. "At the moment your main focus on markets is point of sale. If you can be in the stores one on one, trying to convince a guy not to take Marlboro or Camel, but to give Dunhill a bash, that's the best thing you can do."
The Department of Health, which agrees with the council, says it will oppose the application. "We will ask the court not to allow an interpretation that would allow them to continue advertising," said Cyril Ramasala, the department's chief director of legal services. "They're saying it constitutes a violation of rights of freedom of expression. That right is not absolute. (The law) allows us to limit rights in certain circumstances."
Reference: South Africa: BAT in High Court Bid for Right to Market Cigarettes, Michael Bleby, allAfrica.com, 12/3/2009.
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South Africa - new anti-smoking laws have to be enforced..;
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South Africa - tobacco control legislation signed into law..; South Africa - survey of youngsters smoking and drinking hablits..;
Reynolds Tobacco is now providing coupons for a free can of Camel SNUS;
British American Tobacco (BAT) - 100 years in Africa..;
BAT Marketing Tobacco Products Using Text Messaging...
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Reynolds American Inc. plans to buy Niconovum AB..
December 2, 2009 - Reynolds American Inc. (RAI) said today that it plans to buy Niconovum AB — a Swedish company that specializes in products that help people quit smoking — for $44 million ($1=6.82 Swedish kronor). Reynolds is purchasing all outstanding shares of Niconovum, the companies said. They expect the deal to be completed by year's end.
Closely held Niconovum AB, based in Helsingborg, Sweden, makes nicotine-replacement products such as gum, mouth spray and pouches, which it markets in Sweden and Denmark under the "Zonnic" brand.
Reynolds' interest in the Swedish company surfaced November 9 from comments made by David Sweanor, a law professor at the University of Ottawa and a tobacco analyst. Sweanor's estimate of the deal price was just $500,000 off.
Susan Ivey, the chairwoman, president and chief executive of Reynolds, said that Niconovum would operate as a separate company.
Analysts have said they were curious about how Reynolds would potentially use and market cigarette-replacement products in gum, pouch and spray form made by Niconovum.
"Niconovum's products have great potential in meeting consumer demand and public health objectives," Ivey said. "This acquisition extends the harm-reduction strategies Reynolds American and its operating companies have been developing over the past several years."
Ivey said that by adding Niconovum, it would enable Reynolds to "provide adult tobacco consumers with innovative cessation products that have the potential to reduce the risks of diseases and death caused by tobacco use."
Ivey said that Reynolds intends to provide Niconovum "with the investment capital it needs to focus on product development and the testing required to enter additional markets."
Niconovum was formed in 2000 by Karl Olov Fagerstrom, who is considered a leading expert on smoking cessation and nicotine dependence. It is managed by many of the individuals who were pivotal in the development of Nicorette, a nicotine-replacement gum.
Reynolds said it plans to retain Niconovum's management team and keep its headquarters in Helsingborg.
"We believe the technology used in our Zonnic products better meets consumer preferences than other nicotine replacement therapies currently on the market," said Nils Siegbahn, the president and chief executive of Niconovum.
"With today's announcement, Niconovum will have access to the capital it needs to expand distribution of Zonnic to additional markets, and accelerate product refinements and new product development."
Stephen Pope, the chief global-market strategist with Cantor Fitzgerald Europe, said when talk of a deal first surfaced that it made sense as part of tobacco manufacturers' increased reliance on smokeless products as cigarette demand declines.
Government figures show that fewer than 44 million Americans smoke, down from a peak of 53.5 million in 1983.
Ivey wants to make Reynolds into what she calls "a total tobacco company." The biggest step that Reynolds has taken in that direction was buying Conwood, a smokeless-tobacco company, for $3.5 billion in April 2006.
Reynolds also has gone national with Camel Snus, a spitless tobacco product, and it has introduced orbs, sticks and filmlike strips for the tongue in test markets.
Further comment on the acquisition: Reynolds' pursuit of a company that promotes smoking cessation raises marketing question by Richard Craver, Winston-Salem Journal, 11/12/2009.
Reference: Reynolds to acquire Swedish company that makes product to help people quit smoking by Richard Craver, Winston-Salem Journal, 12/2/2009.
Related news brief: Reynolds American in Talks to Buy Maker of Smoking-Cessation Products..
Niconovum zonnic peppermint (menthol) mouth spray
Reynolds also has Camel strips for the tongue
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U.S. Advertising Agencies file "friend of the court " brief challenging tobacco control act..
Signed into law in June, the Tobacco Control Act restricts the sale, marketing and production of tobacco products. Nearly every media outlet that tobacco companies could use to market the legal product, are affected. For example, outdoor advertising may not appear within 1,000 feet of elementary or secondary schools; t-shirts promoting tobacco products are banned; all advertising, including direct mail, must use black text on a white background, except in magazines or other periodicals that have 85 percent adult readership.
"The sweeping restrictions would impermissibly and unconstitutionally make it virtually impossible to advertise tobacco, a legal product to adults," said Dan Jaffe, executive vp of the ANA. "This is the most restrictive advertising legislation ever passed."
The Act could also set a precedent to legislate other kinds of products that legislators deem should be protected from children, such as prescription drugs; alcohol; and R-rated movies, videogames and music.
"Censorship can become habit-forming. We have also seen proposals to ban or seriously restrict certain food ads and ads for prescription drug products. It is critically important for the advertising community to stand up for the First Amendment rights of all marketers, whenever they are threatened," Jaffe said.
Reference: ANA, 4As, AAF Fight Tobacco Act by Katy Bachman, MEDIAWEEK, 12/1/2009.
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R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co.'s bid to carve out a "free speech" marketing niche for innovative products received a setback..;
More - Federal judge rejects request for injunction blocking tobacco law..;
Federal judge rejects request for injunction blocking tobacco law..;
U.S. FDA tobacco chief moving ahead despite facing legal action..;
FDA ban of flavored cigarette rolling papers..;
FDA says delaying tobacco authority will harm public..;
FDA deflects challenge from Reynolds, Lorillard, others..;
R.J. Reynolds, Lorillard, others file suit claiming law restricts communication..;
U.S.- creating the FDA's Center for Tobacco Products..
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Australia - Aussies eat more, smoke less: review..
Australians are fatter but are smoking less and the risky consumption of alcohol has remained stable over the past decade.
Nationwide research into what drives people to see their GP has also found high blood pressure was the most common health woe, while check-ups relating to diabetes and cholesterol were also on the rise.
"There were increases in patient requests for prescriptions, immunisations, blood tests, test results and administrative actions such as medical certificates," according to the Bettering the Evaluation And Care of Health (BEACH) 10-year review.
"In 2008-09, patients also presented more often about their diabetes, depression and hypertension."
Meanwhile, rates of presentations for ear pain, throat complaints and headaches fell about 25 per cent over the period.
The research also showed the prevalence of overweight people who went to see their GP rose from 33 per cent to 36 per cent. The number of obese jumped from 19 per cent to 25 per cent over the 10 years.
Those who smoke daily decreased from 19 per cent to 15 per cent while "at-risk alcohol consumption" remained stable at 26 per cent.
Children got no fatter, with rates of overweight and obesity among those aged under 17 stable at 11 per cent obese and 17 per cent overweight.
The report said Australia's population increased by about 14 percent over the decade, to more than 21 million, and more than 85 per cent of the population visited their GP at least once a year.
In the 12 months to April this year, Medicare paid for about 112 million GP consultations, up from 101 million over an equivalent period a decade ago.
"GPs managed increasing numbers of problems per encounter," the report also says.
"We estimate 24.7 million more problems were managed at GP encounters in Australia in 2008-09 than in 1999-00." Not only were GPs now working harder but the research showed the changing face of the workforce meant it was now older and increasingly female.
Women GPs increased from 30 to 33 per cent of the workforce over the 10 years, while doctors aged over 55 increased from 27 percent to 46 percent.
People aged over 45 made up more than 60 per cent of those who saw their GP in 2008-09, while women were also more likely than men to go to the doctor, accounting for 58 per cent of patients.
The institute released two reports - BEACH (Bettering the Evaluation And Care of Health) General Practice Activity in Australia 2008-09 and an accompanying 10-year review paper - on Wednesday, December 2nd.
Reference: Aussies eat more, smoke less: review by Danny Rose - Australian Associated Press, the WEST.com.au, 12/1/2009.
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Malaysia - sale of cigarettes in packets of less than 20 prohibted as of June 1, 2010..
December 2, 2009 - KUALA LUMPUR -- 
"The government will not entertain any appeal on this matter and the Health Ministry will enforce the ban fully on the manufacture and sale of cigarette packets containing less than 20 sticks beginning June 1, 2010," he said in a statement, here on Tuesday, December 1st. He said the decision had been agreed upon by all the cigarette companies and the government was thankful for the support and cooperation rendered by these companies.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai: "The ban on the manufacture and sale of cigarette packets containing less than 20 cigarettes had actually been gazetted on September 23, 2004 under the Tobacco Products Control Regulations 2004, however, its enforcement had been postponed after the government considered the appeals by the cigarette companies."
Liow said that following the enforcement of the ban, anyone found guilty of violating the regulation was liable to a fine of not more than RM10,000 (2,965.16 USD) or imprisonment for a period of not more than two years. He added: "The ban on the sale of cigarettes in small packets was aimed at reducing the capability and capacity of children and youths to buy cigarettes and start the unhealthy habit."
He said the ban was also in line with the recommendation of the Framework Convention On Tobacco Control (FCTC) of the World Health Organisation (WHO).
Reference: Sale Of Cigarettes In Packets Of Less Than 20 Prohibited, Bernama.com - Malaysian National News Agency, 12/1/2009.
Malaysia - related news briefs:
Malaysia - stepping up efforts to curb the trade in illicit cigarettes..;
Malaysia - BAT plans to dispose of a parcel of industrial land..;
Malaysia - ban on cigarette sponsorship for sports will not be withdrawn..;
Malaysia - cigarette-shaped sweets packaged like cigarettes;
Malaysia - Penang consumer group ban cheap cigarettes and increase price on premium..;
Malaysia - Kelantin State Government may not promote staff who smoke..;
Malaysia - excise duty increased on tobacco - another increase could be coming this month..;
Malaysia - smoking limits your quality of life..;
Malaysia - smoking civil servants in Penang to receive free nicotine treatment..;
Malaysia - illicit cigarettes, BAT wants government to slow excise duty increases..;
Peninsular Malaysia - one of three cigarette packs is either contraband or fake..;
Komtar, Penang, Malaysia smoking ban strictly enforced..;
Malaysia student forced to smoke 40 cigarettes in two hours..
Malaysia - PSD and Cuepacs are at odds over the no-smoking rule at government departments and agencies..;
Malaysia: Are tobacco control measures working? - WHO thinks so...;
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Malaysia - January 1, 2009 pictorial cigarette warnings..;
Malaysia to hike cigarette prices..;
Malaysia - 25% of all cigarettes sales are illegal...Peninsular Malaysia - one of three cigarette packs is either contraband or fake..;
Komtar, Penang, Malaysia smoking ban strictly enforced..;
Malaysia student forced to smoke 40 cigarettes in two hours..
Malaysia - PSD and Cuepacs are at odds over the no-smoking rule at government departments and agencies..;
Malaysia: Are tobacco control measures working? - WHO thinks so...;
Malaysia - slowdown in cigarette consumption..;
Malaysia - January 1, 2009 pictorial cigarette warnings..;
Malaysia to hike cigarette prices..;
Malaysia - 25% of all cigarettes sales are illegal...
Read more...
Indonesia - workers from small cigarette producers protest excise tax increase..
Click on images to enlarge..
December 1, 2009 - In a previous report the Indonesian Cigarette Industry Community Forum (Formasi) had pledged to stage a demonstration to protest a government plan to increase excise from cigarette products in 2010, arguing that the move is unjust. (Indonesia - cigarette industry has pledged to stage a demonstration to protest a government plan to increase excise tax.)
TEMPO Interactive, Jakarta: Workers from minor cigarette producers in Malang, East Java have threatened to bring the tax gap case to the State Business Competition Supervisory Commission. In a rally outside the Customs and Excise Office in the city, around 3,000 thousands workers said the tax hike will harm the small cigarette producers. Indonesia-map.
In the new Finance Minister decision No.181/PMK.011/2009 on tax for tobacco products to take effect in January next year, the smaller cigarette producers will have to pay 62 percent of tax, while the major ones will only pay about seven percent. Workers said tax rise between 14,29 persen -48 persen for clove cigarette would threathen small business.
The workers association said to also bring the matter to house commissions overseeing law and labor. The group, Cigarette Industry Society Forum claimed membership of workers in 323 minor cigarette workers in different regencies in East Java like Malang, Kediri, Sidoarjo, Pasuruan, Tulungagung, Blitar, up to Kudus in Central Java. Spokesman for the group, Suhardjo said they are planning to bring the case to the capital next week.
Reference: Workers Threatens to File Cigarette Tax Case With Business Supervisory Commission, BIBIN BINTARIADI, Tempointeractive.com, 11/30/209.
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Indonesia - cigarette industry has pledged to stage a demonstration to protest a government plan to increase excise tax.;
Indonesia - the last paradise for a puff in Southeast Asia..;
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Indonesia - missing tobacco regulation in approved Health Law..;
Indonesia - section on tobacco in health bill disappears..;
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Read more...
UAE - doctors say national smoking ban needed for the sake of young people..
“There is evidence which links the risk of heart attack to the amount of tobacco someone smokes, so stopping smoking at any time will reduce the risk.”
A federal law banning smoking in public places was drafted in 2006 by the Ministry of Health, but has yet to be implemented.
Most Emirates already curbing the use of tobacco", Mitya Underwood, TheNational.ae, 11/30/2009.
Multiple studies in the US and Europe show that a ban on smoking in public places reduced the incidence of smoking and smoking-related diseases, said Dr al Mahmeed.
Meanwhile shealth authorities are spending significant amounts of their public health budgets on anti-tobacco campaigns, specifically targeting schoolchildren and young people. Smoking cessation clinics to encourage people to quit have also been introduced nationwide and individual municipalities have introduced their own bans.
According to a 2009 World Health Organisation (WHO) report, more than a quarter of men in the UAE smoke compared with just 2.6 per cent of women. However the figures for the younger generation were more worrying. The report said 13.2 per cent of girls and 25.2 per cent of boys ages 13 to 15 smoke.
Deaths from cancer in the region are predicted to almost triple over the next 10 years, another WHO report, produced by the Eastern Mediterranean regional office, said this year. Increased smoking and a young population were cited as two of the reasons.
The median age of the UAE population is about 30 and Dr al Mahmeed said if the incidence of smoking is not reduced there will be a dramatic increase in lung disorders and coronary diseases in 20 or 30 years.
A pack of 20 cigarettes in the UAE is around six times cheaper than in the UK, where it would cost about Dh35 (9.52823 USD).
Dr al Mahmeed, who is also head of cardiology at Sheikh Khalifa Medical City in Abu Dhabi, said as well as the issue of cost, the UAE should use federal legislation as a basis for boosting smoking cessation services and awareness campaigns. “The danger here is that more young people and more women are smoking. It is a fad, not a cultural or religious issue. It is important for measures to be put in place, such as a federal ban, which make it more difficult for people to smoke, especially young people.”
Dr Mohamed Jaloudi, head of oncology at Tawam Hospital in Al Ain, said the ban should be introduced on a federal level and the UAE should look elsewhere. “It has been shown in other countries that a smoking ban in public places, in conjunction with anti-smoking campaigns, reduces the incidence of smoking,” he said.
Figures from around the world show that smoking bans in public places have had a positive effect.
A year after smoking in public was outlawed in Scotland, studies showed that almost 50,000 people had attempted to quit. A report by the UK department of health stated that in the first year of the ban in England, 234,060 people stopped smoking – 22 percent more than in the previous year.
More- Tobacco in the United Arab Emirates...
Reference: Smoking ban vital for youth, say doctors, Mitya Underwood, TheNational.ae, 11/30/2009.
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UAE - graphic warnings on cigarette packs..;
UAE new tobacco ban proposed..;
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