ASH Daily News for 04/10/2000
HEADLINES
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ASH Daily News
Wednesday 4 October 2000
Headlines
Documents show industry attempts to circumvent ad. Restrictions
Young American smokers' choices decide fate of many brands
Health department says Eclipse no less hazardous than other cigarettes
EU Directive likely to be overturned
US Court allows sale of generic smoking cessation gum
FOREST questions addictiveness of nicotine
India bans tobacco advertising on TV
Full Text
Documents show industry attempts to circumvent ad. Restrictions
The devious tactics employed by advertising agencies on behalf of the
tobacco industry, in their attempts to expand the cigarette market and
undermine government anti-smoking policy, are revealed in a new report
published today. The report is an analysis of thousands of documents from
the five main advertising agencies used by the tobacco industry in the UK
which were released after the agencies gave evidence to the Health Select
Committee's investigation into the tobacco industry.
The report is published by the Cancer Research Campaign and the BMA. It
provides evidence that the tobacco manufacturers have not given up the
battle to expand their markets. One of the documents reveals the tactics
that were considered at the time that Tessa Jowell, then minister of public
health, was promoting the case for a tobacco advertising ban. The document
suggests they should "undermine Ms Jowell and position her as the Minister
of bans, undemocratic and rash".
Other documents reveal tactics to recruit young smokers, emphasising
qualities such as "street cred". The agencies also demonstrate how Formula
One motor racing was a useful source of seductive imagery to attract young
smokers.
Source: The Guardian, 4/10/00
Young American smokers' choices decide fate of many brands
A US study has shown than cigarette brands chosen by young adult smokers can
strengthen the brand's position and be an advantage in the face of tighter
marketing restrictions. Young American smokers tend to favour brands such
as Marlboro, Newport and Camel and these brands have fared better against
other brands. The study by securities firm Sanford C Bernstein found that
78% of smokers aged 18 to 24 smoke Marlboro, 28% smoke Camel and 20% smoke
Newport. The report notes that young adult smokers are more image
conscious than older smokers and are willing to pay more for cigarettes.
This helps to explain why Philip Morris and Lorillard, both of which garner
a large proportion of their income from premium brands, have fared the best
in the wake of price increases stemming from the state tobacco settlements.
Source: Wall Street Journal Europe, 4/10/00
Health department says Eclipse no less hazardous than other cigarettes
The Massachusetts health department has asked the Federal trade commission
to investigate RJ Reynolds' claims that its novel Eclipse cigarette is
potentially less hazardous than conventional cigarettes. According to the
department, new research shows that Eclipse contains higher levels of some
cancer-causing chemicals than two regular "ultra-light" brands. RJ Reynolds
claims that Eclipse, which heats tobacco rather than burning it, is less
likely to cause cancer and other smoking-related disease. However, the Ma.
State health commissioner Howard Koh, said tests had found higher levels of
two carcinogens - acrolein and a tobacco-specific nitrosamine known as NNK -
than smoke from the low tar brands Now and Carlton.
Source: Wall Street Journal Europe, 4/10/00
EU Directive likely to be overturned
The Independent reports that tobacco firms are expected to win a legal
victory tomorrow, blocking moves to ban tobacco advertising throughout the
EU. It is expected that the European Court of Justice will annul the
tobacco advertising directive which was passed into law in July 1998. The
paper notes that the judgment could be a severe blow to health bodies that
have fought for decades for a ban on tobacco advertising. However, in
Britain, it is expected that the Government will introduce a new Bill to ban
tobacco advertising in the next parliamentary session.
The Tobacco Manufacturers' association said that it wanted to start a
dialogue with the government once the ruling from the European Court had
been announced.
Source: The Independent, 4/10/00
US Court allows sale of generic smoking cessation gum
The US Supreme Court has refused to block the marketing of a generic chewing
gum to help smokers give up smoking, rejecting an appeal in which the maker
of Nicorette gum said the marketing violated its copyright. The justices
let stand a ruling that let Watson Pharmaceuticals sell the generic gum.
Source: Financial Times, 3/10/00
FOREST questions addictiveness of nicotine
Martin Ball of FOREST has a letter in the Independent questioning the notion
that nicotine is addictive. He selectively quotes from a variety of sources
to back his claim and argues that "the vast majority of ex-smokers gave up
without the hullabaloo we are led to believe it requires."
Source: The Independent, 4/10/0
India bans tobacco advertising on TV
The Indian Government has banned alcohol and tobacco ads on cable and
terrestrial television. The new law prohibits advertising that directly or
indirectly promotes the consumption of alcohol or tobacco.
Source: Advertising Age, 2/10/00
