Tobacco Tax May Cut Cigarette Consumption

Reforming the tobacco tax system may be the key to discouraging cigarette consumption and reduce the growing incidence of tobacco-related illness such as lung cancer and heart disease.

Cheap cigarettes is one of the reasons why the Philippines with over 17 million smokers - has one of the highest smoking Prima Lux prevalence rates in the world. This is expected to lead to huge socio-economic losses.

According to a study by Health Justice Philippines, around 35, 000 Filipinos die every year due to tobacco-related diseases.

Smoking Ban at Seoul Squares

Seoul City’s anti-smoking campaign in downtown squares, which kicked off this month, is largely being obeyed, with the total number of violations standing at just 15 as of Monday.

The city banned smoking Chesterfield at three plazas in central Seoul from June 1, imposing a fine of 100,000 won ($92) on smokers. The three squares ― Chunggye, Gwanghwamun and Seoul Plaza ― are frequented by about 30,000 people every day.

Underage Tobacco Sale Operation Shows Encouraging Results

A controlled purchase operation (CPO) carried out recently by the Northland District Health Board Public & Population Health Unit found only one retailer in breach of the Marlboro Smokefree Environments Act 1990.

The controlled purchase operation was conducted in the east coast of the Far North including Taipa, Mangonui, Kaeo, Kerikeri, Paihia, Russell and Whangarei.