British American Tobacco (BAT) says it is disappointed Colmar Brunton did not plan the survey in line with agreed on protocols which stipulate that participants must be existing smokers over the age of 18. The company will not confirm whether it has paid New Zealanders to test cigarettes before.
It seems these days BAT is always playing damage control: this second largest tobacco company in the world had to conduct damage limitation exercise after it emerged several employees had established fan sites on Facebook for the company's Lucky Strike and Dunhill brands, apparently without the company's knowledge. (Tobacco firms deny internet marketing tactic By Denis Campbell and Jamie Doward, NZHerald.co.nz, 10/11-2010)
The Ministry of Health is investigating, but says any suggestion of a possible prosecution is premature at this stage.
Colmar Brunton says it made a mistake in the wording of its invitation to participate in the cigarette tests and apologises for any offence. However, it says conducting cigarette tests with existing smokers is an established and legal practice in New Zealand.
Reference: Free cigarette offer for survey draws criticism, Radio New Zealand, 10/28/2010.
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My son joined BAT as a graduate.
ReplyDeleteHe was a non smoker
Two guys joined BAT and the existing staff had a bet that both
newbies would be smokers within six months.
Cigarettes were freely available at functions, trays of loose cigarettes were available for the taking (or smoking), old packs, new packs, damaged packets you name it the staff could smoke, no charge.
Needless to my my son ended up a smoker.