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ASH Daily News

22 November 2006

HEADLINES

Jersey smoking law approved for Jan 2 2007

Gallaher Altadis acquisition rumours quashed

Philip Morris buys Dominican Republic cigarette company

Complete smoking ban in West Lancs announced

New report calls for tobacco sale age raise in Scotland

FULL TEXT

Jersey smoking law approved for Jan 2 2007

The States of Jersey have approved plans for a complete ban on smoking in enclosed public workplaces.

From 2 January, anyone caught smoking in pubs, clubs and restaurants or businesses failing to enforce the law, could face a fine of up to £5,000.

Guernsey States introduced a similar smoking ban in July.

BBC, 21 November, 2006
Source: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/jersey/6170790.stm


Gallaher Altadis acquisition rumours quashed

Sometimes there can be smoke without fire. That looked to be the case with the tobacco group Gallaher, which soared in early deals on gossip that Altadis, of Spain, could launch a bid for the maker of Silk Cut. It looked a doubtful story, not least because Altadis itself is seen as vulnerable and shareholders would be unlikely to back the necessary fundraising.

Altadis has seemed to be keener to defend itself from predators by expanding its distribution side and its smokeless tobacco operations. The logical move, analysts said, would be for Altadis to make an offer for Gallaher’s non-core Austrian distribution unit, then perhaps look to bulk up by buying Swedish Match.

More credible was talk of a big deal involving Japan Tobacco, for whom Gallaher and Altadis are both viable targets. The Tokyo-based company has made no secret of its ambition to gain market share in Europe and has an estimated firepower of about £20 billion if it draws down debt facilities. However, no Japanese company has ever made a hostile approach on an international competitor, so any deal would have to be on friendly terms.

Source: The Times, 22 November 2006
Article link: http://business.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,8211-2465452,00.html


Philip Morris buys Dominican Republic cigarette company

Industria de Tabaco Leon Jimenes S.A., the Dominican Republic's largest cigarette manufacturer, is now the sole property of Philip Morris International Inc., officials for both companies said on Tuesday.

The announcement completes a reorganization plan in which Philip Morris' parent, New York-based Altria Group Inc., traded its interest in the Dominican national brewery for the cigarette business and US$427 million in cash.

The Dominican company produced Marlboro cigarettes under license and the locally popular brand Nacional.

Source: International Herald Tribune, 22 November 2006
Article link: http://tinyurl.com/s9puc  


Complete smoking ban in West Lancs announced

West Lancashire DC has confirmed a smoking ban covering all its buildings and entrances. It will apply to all staff, contractors, councillors and visitors.

The ban, from March 2007 won't affect council houses.

In the case of sheltered housing, no smoking will be permitted in communal areas although residents will be able to smoke in their own rooms. It will also apply to all council-owned vehicles and privately owned vehicles when official passengers are being carried.

Smoking breaks for staff will cease and smoking rooms will be closed. The council will consider the use of suitable smoking shelters.

Town hall unions have given their full support to the ban and have applauded the council for protecting its workforce.

The council has agreed with the local primary care trust that there will be smoking cessation groups for those employees wishing to give up.

Council leader Geoff Roberts said:

"Since 1991 we have had a restricted smoking policy but with the onset of new government legislation to ban smoking in enclosed spaces by summer 2007, we have taken the lead and have changed our policy to introduce a complete no smoking ban.

“Since this news hit the media we have received a lot of positive comments about it because we are seen to be carrying out our duties as a caring employer."

Source: Local Government Chronicles, 22 November 2006
Article link: http://www.lgcnet.com/pages/news/article.asp?ArticleID=340141  


New report calls for tobacco sale age raise in Scotland

A new report calls for raising the age for buying cigarettes in Scotland from 16 to 18.
It also calls for the licensing of cigarette sales north of the border.

The report, which gives advice on how to stop young people smoking, was commissioned by the Scottish Executive and carried out by the Smoking Prevention Working Group.

The document “Towards a Future Without Tobacco” also suggests ending the display of cigarettes in shops and increasing fines for selling them to children.

Ministers must now respond to the report’s recommendations.

Maureen Moore, chief executive of ASH Scotland, which was represented in the working group, said: “ASH Scotland is delighted that this report makes so many strong and sensible recommendations.

“Youth smoking is a real challenge to Scotland’s health, it’s vital that action is taken to help young people to say no.”

Source: Morning Advertiser, 22 November 2006
Article link: http://www.morningadvertiser.co.uk/news_detail.aspx?articleid=24363  
Related link: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/News/Releases/2006/11/22100113  



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