The revision of the Tobacco Products Directive: A chance to deal a body blow to Big Tobacco in 2021?
In a study published on 6 January, scientists from King’s College London have finally put to rest the myth that smokers enjoy a degree of protection from COVID-19. Their research was clear: smokers who contract the novel coronavirus are more likely to suffer severe symptoms than non-smokers, and are twice as likely to end...
South America free of smoking in public places, PAHO announces
With the decree recently approved by Paraguay, smoking in indoor public spaces and workplaces is now banned in all countries of South America. Washington, D.C., January 8, 2021 (PAHO) The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) today congratulated Paraguay for banning smoking of lit or electronic tobacco products in enclosed public spaces as well as crowded...
The Netherlands: Tobacco Display Ban Gone Into Effect This January
The display ban has already been applicable to tobacco products in supermarkets since the 1st of July 2020. Now also being applied to retail stores and online retailers, the ban has been extended to include vaping products, heated tobacco products and herbs intended for smoking. With regards to online stores, while adverts of the...
Philippine: Dark side to Big Tobacco’s Covid-19 CSR activities?
Donations of ventilators and supplies are part of a ‘classic tactic’ by the industry to get close to governments and try to undermine health policies, say public health advocates. Should tobacco firms’ CSR activities be allowed? On 26 March this year, as the Philippines recorded 707 Covid-19 cases two weeks into a nationwide lockdown to...
India: Raising Taxes on Tobacco Generates Revenue And Saves Lives
With the Covid-19 pandemic hitting the country’s economy hard, preparation of the Union budget for the next fiscal is a big challenge for the government this time. To set a course for economic recovery, the government needs funds to invest in the infrastructure and social sectors. Due to a slow-down in the economy, the...
New Year, New Regulations, and Big Government’s Attempts to Block Tobacco Harm Reduction
A new year and new resolutions. In 2021, many Americans will attempt to lose the weight gained after weeks – and months – of stay-at-home orders. Some may have been inclined to reduce their Zoom time, but for many smokers the beginning of a new year marks a resolution to quit smoking. This particular resolution...
