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| Issue 105 | 10 December 2008 |
Having trouble viewing this newsletter? Try the online version. FROM THE DIRECTOR'S DESK
This week I want to raise the matter of the tax anomaly on roll-your-own cigarettes. Following the tobacco tax increase in 2000, many smokers switched from smoking tailor-made cigarettes to smoking roll-your-owns – to the extent that as many people now smoke roll-your-owns as smoke tailor-mades. This is a huge shift is smoking preference. The Smokefree Coalition and ASH submitted to the Finance and Expenditure Committee in February 2007 that the tax on roll-your-own tobacco needed to be increased by $1.40 per packet (in 2006 dollars increased by the relevant CPI series) if this trend was going to be reversed and all smokers faced with the choice of paying more or quitting. Some people consider smoking to be a personal choice. However, smoking is addictive and those addicted to smoking have had their choice removed. Only when the pain inflicted by continuing to smoke becomes worse than the pain of the addiction do smokers then decide to try quitting. Price therefore plays a big role in many quitting decisions. This is reflected in the evidence about market behaviour when tobacco prices increase. In a perfectly competitive market, all things being equal, a price increase on a good or service will be met with an equal reduction in demand for that good or service. Raise the price by 50 percent and demand will fall by the same amount. The price elasticity of demand in this sort of normal case is said to be 1. New Zealand evidence shows that the price elasticity of demand for cigarettes, however, is about 0.50. This is consistent with international literature and is an indication of what is called market failure. The market doesn't behave as expected because an extra factor is involved: addiction. What all this econo-babble means is that addiction plays such a role in market forces around tobacco that it takes twice the increase in price to achieve the same demand reduction that it would for a product where addiction was not a factor. A strong case can be made for intervention where such a market failure is judged to produce negative results. Where governments do intervene to address market failure they commonly use taxes or levies. The problem with roll-your-own cigarettes is that they can be rolled more thinly, meaning the smoker can smoke at a reduced cost. The only way to address this is to make roll-your-own tobacco more expensive so that it effectively costs the same to smoke roll-your-own cigarettes as to smoke tailor-mades. Only then will the smoker or the 'smoking curious' be unable to escape the price effects of smoking behaviour and be confronted with the economic option of quitting or not starting. In order to achieve this result it seems that, in today's dollars, an increase in the tax/excise on packets of loose leaf tobacco would need to be about $1.50 a packet to harmonise the price effect for the smoker. Evidence would suggest that, when faced with this price effect, we can expect that a good number of smokers will decide to quit smoking and many of the 'smoking curious' will not be keen to start. Knowing what we know about the health effects of smoking, such an action seems highly desirable. Have a good week. Mark Peck Director ________________________________________ IN THIS ISSUE:
NATIONAL AWARDS FOR SMOKEFREE RETAILERS
The Foundation's Communications Manager, Malcolm Aitken, says all members of the Smokefree Coalition are concerned about retailers' so-called power walls of tobacco products. "They are such an important part of the tobacco companies' marketing. They appeal to children and young people and make it harder for those trying to quit," Malcolm Aitken says. "Now we have our Smokefree Retailers Awards, which acknowledge and celebrate those retailers who have either done away entirely with selling tobacco products or who have removed the power walls from sight." Mr Aitken says the first recipient of the Smokefree Retailers Award was the Dainty Dairy in Dunedin in late September followed by Neptune's Seafoods and Takeaways in Rotorua in October. Two Northland stores, the VIP Dairy in Kaitaia and the Bush Fairy Dairy in Taipa will soon receive their accolades. "We wanted to endorse these retailers for taking the positive and sometimes quite brave step in going smokefree. We hope the awards will encourage other retailers to follow their example," he says. To nominate a retailer go to the dedicated website: www.smokefreeshops.co.nz and follow the steps. SMOKEFREE/AUAHI KORE SCHOOLS UPDATE
Over the next three months a number of pages will be added to the site, including a page for Kura. Other pages will include success stories from schools, quit information, a resource overview, current research, and pages specifically for students and parents. An important addition to this website is the inclusion of the Guidelines for a Smokefree/Auahi Kore School. These guidelines aim to assist schools to plan their activity towards promoting smokefree/auahi kore behaviours within their school community. The Schools Group – a sub-group of the National Smokefree/Auahi Kore Working Group – has the overall goal of increasing the number of schools who understand and address smoking – both smoking initiation and cessation. In order to achieve this, its main tasks are to:
If you would like to be added to the Smokefree/Auahi Kore Schools Group monthly update newsletter, please email Kath Blair, Schools Project Manager, kath@hsc.org.nz. SMOKEFREE CAR LAWS HAVE SIGNIFICANT INTERNATIONAL SUPPORT – NEW RESEARCHA newly published review of 15 research studies across the UK, North America, Australia and New Zealand, shows there is considerable support for tougher action on smoking in cars. This is the first such review of this topic, and was conducted by Drs George Thomson and Nick Wilson of the University of Otago, Wellington. They found that support is especially high for protecting children in cars, with 76 percent-plus support for a ban against smoking in cars carrying children, in six surveys since 2005. International research shows that the fine particulates inside a smoker's car can be as high as in a smoky bar room, and much higher than WHO safety guidelines for air quality and health. The review found laws banning smoking in cars containing children have been passed in: South Australia, Tasmania, New South Wales, Nova Scotia, Yukon and Ontario. Five US states or territories, including California, have passed similar laws. In South Australia there was no significant burden on police resources, with only 125 prosecutions of drivers in the first year of the new law. In other jurisdictions the focus has been on media campaigns, such as in New Zealand and Western Australia. But Dr Thomson says, "These campaigns need to be accompanied by smokefree car laws if significant numbers of children are to be properly protected." In recent years studies show significantly increased support for banning smoking in cars with children in three Australian states, New Zealand, Canada, UK and California. In four of these studies (in California, New Zealand, Victoria and South Australia) there has been 90 percent-plus public support. In five surveys in 2005 or since (in California, New Zealand and Australia), the support from smokers was 77 percent or more. The researchers conclude from this review that smokefree car laws, particularly for cars containing children, would have majority public support in many jurisdictions. "We suggest that there are strong ethical and public health arguments to implement such laws, along with supportive media campaigns," says Dr Thomson. The researchers say public education campaigns only protect some children from the health risks of second-hand smoke in cars, and the most socio-economically deprived children may be the least likely to be protected by social marketing campaigns. This study has been published in the international journal Tobacco Control and was supported by funding from the Health Research Council of New Zealand. For further information (and a copy of the published article) contact: Dr George Thomson TOBACCO CONTROL LEADER WANTED FOR WAIKATO DISTRICT HEALTH BOARDA Clinical Tobacco Control Leader is being sought by Waikato DHB to direct and facilitate the implementation of the DHB's Tobacco Control Strategy across the sector and continuum of care. The successful applicant will provide clinical tobacco control leadership to general practitioners, public health practitioners, managers and others engaged in the delivery of tobacco control services and implementation and development of tobacco control policy/ies. The Clinical Tobacco Control leader will also be expected to reduce identified inequalities in the uptake of tobacco in the Waikato DHB area. It is essential that applicants are registered medical practitioners with a current practising certificate and a current driving licence, that they have experience in project facilitation and planning and have existing networks with key providers. It is desirable that applicants possess a post graduate diploma and/or other health-related tertiary qualification, or are in the process of achieving one. It is also preferred the successful applicant will be a member of a relevant professional association with at least five years of postgraduate experience. See www.waikatodhb.govt.nz/jobs/pageid/2145842411 for a position description and to apply online. Applications close 5 January 2009. NATIONAL TOBACCO CONTROL HUI 18-20 AUGUST 2009
Te Papa Museum, Wellington "Mahia e tōna ringa, tino kai, tino mākona. We are pleased to announce the second National Tobacco Control Hui. The whakatauaki (Māori proverb) above attempts to capture the theme – placing a high value on one's own labour. This is a time when we all need to work together and share our experiences of working towards a smokefree Aotearoa. This hui is open to all who are passionate about and committed to working towards the health of future generations of New Zealanders – that they will not be exposed to tobacco and will not become smokers. The national team invites you to join them in working together to achieve its vision. Te Hotu Manawa Māori is the conference convener and will be inviting you all to become involved in ensuring we have a successful hui. For more information contact: THROUGH THE SMOKE15,000 cigarette butts gather to stop smoking
The message – cigarettes are a danger to non-smokers – comes through loud and clear and emphasises the damage smokers can cause to family, friends and the people around them. The girl in the picture is actually a painting – but the butts are very real. Presumably the smell alone must be deeply off-putting – 15,000 whiffy fag ends would put even the most committed smoker off their breakfast. AdNation, 29 November 2008
SMOKEFREE SHORTSNew ZealandSmokefree parks for Kapiti
The Kapiti Coast District Council has adopted a policy making all Council playgrounds and sports grounds smokefree. The policy came into effect on 8 December 2008. The smokefree parks initiative is supported by the Kapiti PHO, Regional Public Health, Otaki PHO, Capital and Coast District Health Board, the Cancer Society, Kapiti Community Health Group, Sport Kapiti and the Health Sponsorship Council. Move to ban smoking in Auckland CBD A plan to outlaw smokers from two of the central city's public squares is being considered. Khartoum Place and St Patrick's Square have been suggested as possible outdoor smokefree zones. The idea was put forward by the Auckland CBD Residents Advisory Group and will be looked at by the Auckland City Council. Sunday Star Times, 3 December 2008 ASH welcomes drop in youth smoking Action on Smoking and Health (ASH) welcomes recent findings from the University of Auckland's Adolescent Health Research Group. The researchers surveyed over 9500 youth from over 100 randomly selected secondary schools from around the country about their health and wellbeing. However, ASH Director, Ben Youdan, says the war against youth smoking is not yet won. Scoop, 8 December 2008 InternationalCountries Unite Against Tobacco Industry Interference One hundred and sixty countries have agreed on strong new guidelines to block tobacco industry interference in global health policies and the implementation of the global tobacco treaty. PRNewswire, 22 November 2008 Jordan to jail people smoking in public
In a move to reduce the number of smokers in the country and lower the impact of second-hand smoke, the government plans to impose a US$21 to US$28 (Dh77 to Dh103) fine and a prison sentence of up to one month for those caught smoking in public. The National, 3 December 2008 New cases of cancer decline in the United States The incidence of new cancer cases has been falling in recent years in the United States, the first time such an extended decline has been documented, researchers report. Death rates from cancer fell an average of 1.8 percent each year from 2002 to 2005. The decline is primarily due to a reduction in death rates from certain common cancers, including prostate cancer and lung cancer in men, breast cancer in women and colorectal cancer in both sexes. The New York Times, 25 November 2008 Aussies intolerant of smoking: study Tolerance for smoking in public places is waning, with research showing most Australians want the addiction banned from outdoor dining and kids' playgrounds. And a small majority go so far as to support a blanket ban on cigarettes altogether in the next decade. University of Newcastle researchers say the findings are proof there is a "rising tide for change" in smoking legislation, even among smokers. The West Australian, 26 November 2008 More Australians just say no to tobacco Australia is breeding a generation of non-smokers. Latest tobacco figures show smoking rates among young people have halved in the past two decades. Just one in five Australians now smokes and the most notorious group, the 18- to 24-year-olds, are leading the resistance, with 19 percent addicted compared with 47 percent in 1980. New Zealand Herald, 9 December 2008 Taxman kills himself 'over smoking ban' A taxman killed himself after the smoking ban left him a virtual recluse, an inquest in Britain has heard. Lawrence Walker, 61, barely went out when cigarettes were barred from his local pub. Friend Robert Lye said, "He felt insulted to have to stand outside and smoke. We think the ban killed him. He was so depressed about it he hardly went out. It made him very solitary." Mr Walker, of St Columb, Cornwall, leapt to his death from cliffs at Porth Beach, Newquay, in June. Coroner Dr Andrew Cox recorded a verdict of suicide. The Mirror, 4 December 2008 Law allows women to force partners to quit smoking (The Philippines)
Lawyer Deborah Sy of Health Justice said the law has two requirements. One, the partner intentionally exposed the woman to second-hand smoke. And two, the exposure caused her physical or psychological harm. In extreme situations, if the partners refuse to stop the habit, the law provides a legal remedy that would threaten the partners with imprisonment of up to 12 years. Newsbreak, 5 December 2008 Smokers living with kids more likely to quit Steve Panetta used to smoke cigarettes in the house when his children were infants. That was before he learned about second-hand smoke about 18 years ago. Since then, he has banned smoking in his house and finally quit for good about six years ago with the help of a New York state cessation class. "On the first day they ask you to write down as many reasons as you can think of to quit smoking," said Panetta, a 52-year-old butcher from Troy. "My children were the second reason. The first was my father died of lung cancer at 50." NewsDay, 30 November 2008 Molecular switch in brain may end smokers' cravings Blocking a neuropeptide receptor in the brain may be one way to quickly lessen the desire for a cigarette, a new study suggests. Hypocretin-1, or Orexin A, a short chain of amino acids found in nerve tissue, appears to initiate a series of closely linked biochemical reactions that makes lab rats crave nicotine, the addictive chemical in tobacco. If duplicated in humans, the finding could lead to new smoking-cessation treatments, the researchers say. HealthDay, 24 November 2008 80 percent of shops sell cigs to under-agers in Renfrewshire, UK
The findings have shocked trading standards officers in Renfrewshire who now plan a clampdown on irresponsible traders. Last year, the legal age for buying cigarettes was raised from 16 to 18 and trading standards officers recently tested the new law by sending a 15-year-old girl to 36 shops in Renfrew and Paisley. They were stunned when staff in 29 shops sold her cigarettes despite the fact she did not look old enough. Evening Times (UK), 27 November 2008 Plans for a smokefree World Cup South Africa's tough anti-smoking legislation will not be relaxed for the 2010 soccer World Cup. Instead, the Health Department is working to ensure that the world's biggest sporting event is smokefree. Health Director-General, Thami Mseleku, has confirmed the Department is negotiating with Fifa's local organising committee to get its approval to ensure that soccer venues will be non-smoking areas. IOL.co.za, 18 November 2008 Singapore receives international award for tobacco control Singapore's National Smoking Control Programme (NSCP) has been internationally recognised for its outstanding practices, as well as innovative and successful approaches to comprehensive tobacco control. Singapore received the Good Practice Award for Comprehensive Tobacco Control in Cities at the World Health Organization Alliance for Healthy Cities Awards 2008. Channel News Asia, 4 December 2008 MILESTONESLook who has had a birthday recently... Judy McAnulty, Sue McBride, Penelope Scott! QUOTABLE QUOTES"Even though my father died of cancer, and even knowing the danger of second-hand smoke, it was still very hard to put them down. If you're going to smoke, you want to kill yourself, fine. Try not to kill your children." Steve Panetta, "Smokers living with kids more likely to quit". |
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Update is produced by the Smokefree Coalition If you are
considering using any material from the Tobacco
Control Update, |
There will be one more Tobacco Control Update before Christmas and that will be next Wednesday, a week earlier than normal.
The Asthma and Respiratory Foundation has come up with a way to recognise
retailers around New Zealand who are taking the big step of not displaying
tobacco products or refusing to sell them altogether.
The National Smokefree/Auahi Kore Schools Group is delighted to announce that phase
one of the smokefree/auahi kore schools website is now live. See
To
mark the annual worldwide No-Smoking Day held in March, the The Peruvian group,
Fight Against Cancer, commissioned advertising agency Ogilvy to come up with an
advertisement. Fifteen thousand cigarette butts were glued together by an artist, and to make sure the advertisement hit home, the cigarette butts were positioned as a formidable presence aimed at a little girl.
For more than 40 years, smokers in Jordan have flouted a law that bans the practice, but now the government has decided to get tough by enforcing a law that imposes fines and threatens prison sentences for those who break the rules.
Second-hand smoke from cigarettes is a form of violence against women. According to tobacco control advocates, Republic Act 9262, or the Anti-Violence
Against Women Act, provides a legal remedy that will force partners to quit smoking.
A
study has found that retailers aren't enforcing the new age limit of 18 for buying cigarettes. A massive 80 percent of shops in an undercover sting illegally sold cigarettes to an under-age girl.