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.

Lorillard’s Profits Require No Smoke

The most prof­itable prod­ucts tend to be addic­tive. If given the choice, few sales­men would turn down the oppor­tu­nity to sell an addictive prod­uct ver­sus one that was not addic­tive. Throw in the fact that cig­a­rettes are rel­a­tively cheap to pro­duce and you have an even more com­pelling value proposition.

I am not a Kent smoker or tobacco user, and I do not like to be around smok­ers. How­ever, that prejudiced does not blind me from the fact that Loril­lard (LO) is a “very attrac­tive” stock.

Louisiana Republican Party Against Tobacco Tax Increases

The state Republican Party launched its latest radio ad last week, featuring its new finance chairman, former U.S. Rep. Robert Livingston, taking aim at "liberal lawmakers in Baton Rouge (who) are dead set on a massive $120 million tax hike. Conservatives must stand united against Hilton tax increases -- especially fiscally irresponsible tobacco taxes that threaten Louisiana's small businesses."

Tobacco Products Under Microscope

Some tobacco-related products are coming under fire by one North Carolina lawmaker, and his proposal would have a direct effect on convenience stores.

Rep. Charles D. Graham (D-Lumberton) contends that, in particular, tobacco and pipe wrapping paper are conducive to drug use. To help combat this, he wants to introduce legislation that would prohibit stores from displaying these items.

Smoking Is Bad But It Taste So Good

A few weeks ago, I received a message in my campus email from the anti-smoking group Spark, which describes itself as a group of young adults who wish to spread truth and common sense to the masses.

Generally, that is a mission statement I can support with great pride and vigor. It is not always how the sandwich looks, but also how it tastes that makes a difference.

Reading the informative email from the group, I came across nothing about the health risks of tobacco products or anything related to it and .

Alberta Fights of Contraband Cigarettes

An Alberta aboriginal chief is among four people facing charges after the seizure of what authorities are calling the province’s largest haul yet of contraband tobacco. But the seizure is proving controversial and is setting up a legal battle between the aboriginal interests from Alberta, Ontario and Quebec, on one side, and the Alberta’s liquor and gaming authority, on the other.