Daily Archives: May 26, 2009

Tobacco tax proposal deserves support

There are good public health and public finance reasons to support an increase in tobacco taxes, writes Professor Harry Clarke.

Taking Control of Tobacco

There is a bit of good news in the economy for convenience store retailers, according to Nik Modi, sector analyst at New York City-based UBS Securities LLC, during CSPNetwork’s Tobacco Update CyberConference. While the stock market has affected high-income consumers and housing issues have affected middle-income consumers, low-income consumers—typically affected by price changes in gasoline, food and energy inflation—might be walking around with a little extra change.

About time for the FDA to regulate tobacco

The reforming smoker in the Oval Office is waiting to put his presidential pen to a bill that would finally give the Food and Drug Administration the power to regulate tobacco. All he needs is for the Senate to pass it.

Big Tobacco touts tax on little guys

Big Tobacco wants Little Tobacco taxed more, saying it could mean $28 million more a year for a state budget already in danger of going up in smoke.

Philippines a haven for cigarette smugglers

Fisherman Lino Bocalan became legend in the 1950s to 1960s after he chanced upon an alternative and more lucrative profession: cigarette smuggling.

U.S. senators attack Reynolds’ alternative

Two U.S. senators are aiming to snuff out dissolvable smokeless-tobacco products before they can get a toehold in the U.S. market.

Tobacco lobbyists have blocked previous attempts to increase the levy

For years tobacco companies have successfully fought off attempts by California lawmakers and health groups to increase the cigarette tax. But next month, as the state grapples with the worst financial crisis in recent history, that may change.

HIGHEST NUMBER OF PEOPLE FINED IN TAMIL NADU

To strengthen the reporting mechanism of violations of smoke free rules and to encourage non-smokers and public at large to report violations under the Revised Smoke-Free Rules, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has launched National Toll Free Help line No. 1800-110-456 (24×7) which is now operative throughout the country. All the violations on smoke free rules may be reported on this number, which is accessible from any place in the country. There is provision to make complaints vide this help line and information is also provided about the provisions under the rules e.g. what all places come under the definition of ‘public place’, what is open space, where smoking is not prohibited, what is the amount of fine, where to report violations etc.

San Mateo condo complex to vote on smoking ban