Tobacco Lobby

The Supreme Court on Monday asked the Ministry of Health to explain why the proposed display of pictorial warnings on cigarettes packs and other tobacco products has been deferred to May 31, 2009. The graphic warnings were originally meant to be implemented on December 1 but the Union Cabinet decided to defer the move last month. The court gave the Ministry of Health four weeks to file the reasons for the decision and thereafter adjourned the matter.

The notice seeking the Government’s response came from the Bench of Justices B N Agarwal and G S Singhvi, acting on an application filed by an NGO, Health for Millions, which had questioned the delay.

Senior advocate Indira Jaisingh, appearing for the NGO, alleged that Government authorities delayed the implementation of the notification due to pressure from the tobacco lobby. The Centre had earlier issued two notifications directing tobacco manufacturers to print pictorial warnings.

The familiar massed ranks of cigarette packets on display behind shop counters could soon be a thing of the past, if Alan Johnson has his way.

Under planned legislation, supermarkets and, subsequently, smaller shops would be obliged to sell tobacco products under the counter.

Predictably, there is immediate opposition, both from the Tobacco Manufacturers’ Association and the smokers’ lobby group Forest. Lined up on the other side are the British Heart Foundation and other health groups who are decrying the government’s decision to delay any ban on cigarette vending machines and branding on packets.

Given the current financial climate, much of the debate is, inevitably, focused on the issue of economics. Is this, the tobacco lobby asks, really the right time to ask small shopkeepers to absorb a potential drop in takings?

The counter-argument is equally vehement: no economic plea should be able to trump a discussion of life and death. Removing tobacco from display in Finland, for example, saw consumption fall by 10%, studies suggest.

I know where I stand. As someone whose only objection to the tobacco ban in pubs was that it came about 15 years too late, I wouldn’t be sorry if I never saw another warning-festooned cigarette packet again. But then again, I don’t own a struggling corner shop.

Tobacco companies sponsor national and local events under their corporate or brand names. Many tobacco sponsorships involve sports and activities popular with families such as rodeos, fairs, and racing, exposing children to heavy amounts of tobacco company images. In addition, many of these events may be televised, giving the tobacco company television airtime.

How to undo this
Be aware of what your children are exposed to when they attend sporting or community events, and avoid those that include tobacco companies.

Steer clear of booths or tents where tobacco products are promoted.

Be mindful of tobacco company sponsorships your children may see during a televised sporting event.

When you notice a tobacco-sponsored event in your community, write your local newspaper to express your concern and raise public awareness.

TOBACCO-SPONSORED BAR NIGHTS
In recent years, tobacco companies have sponsored special “bar nights” to promote their products, to provide free samples and giveaways, and to obtain names and addresses for their direct-mail marketing efforts. Bar napkins, coasters and other promotional materials are printed with the tobacco companies’ logos.

How to undo this
UNDO tobacco by patronizing only those bars that do not hold tobacco-sponsored “bar nights.”

If you visit a bar with tobacco-industry promotional materials, samples or giveaways, tell the manager or owner why you disagree with such practices.

CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTIONS
Tobacco companies often support specific communities and populations with financial contributions to gain access, influence and respectability.

If you are aware of a tobacco company’s charitable contribution in your community, write the organization accepting the contribution to inform them of your concern. Tell them to look beyond the money and consider the real reason the tobacco industry is courting them.

Write a letter to the editor of your local newspaper to let them know how the tobacco industry is trying to buy credibility and a better reputation by infiltrating your community, while its products continue to cause life-threatening diseases and destroy lives.