Two Elkmont brothers have been arrested in connection with a burglary and cigarette theft at a Salem convenience store, an official said.
Joel Dwight Gooch Jr., 24, and Joshua Matthew Gooch, 21, both of 22574 Easter Ferry Road, were arrested Saturday on one count each of third-degree burglary, said Limestone County Sheriff’s Chief Investigator Stanley McNatt.
They are accused of breaking the glass in the front door of Discount Food Mart in the Salem community on Saturday morning and stealing assorted cartons of cigarettes of undetermined value, McNatt said.
“A video camera caught them and even their truck,” McNatt said.
The video images were sent to other law-enforcement agencies along with a description of the vehicle.
While on patrol that same morning, Deputy Tom Gilbert saw a truck fitting the description on Poplar Point Road.
“He was very observant in noticing the vehicle,” McNatt said.
Gilbert called Sheriff Mike Blakely, and together the two recovered some of the cigarettes at a home on Easter Ferry Road that belonged to the brothers’ relatives, McNatt said. The two recovered most of the cigarettes, as well as the suspects, on Poplar Point Road, he said.
Each remained in the Limestone County Jail in lieu of posting $2,500 bail.
вторник, 29 декабря 2009 г.
среда, 23 декабря 2009 г.
Cigarettes seized in Cork city
Over 300,000 cigarettes and about 10kgs of tobacco was discovered today during a customs operation in Co Cork.
The items, which have an estimated retail value of €130,000 were seized during a search of three houses in the north side of Cork city earlier today.
A commercial vehicle and saloon car were also seized during the operation.
Revenue officials estimate the loss to the exchequer from the cigarettes and tobacco would have been about €100,000.Investigations are ongoing.
The items, which have an estimated retail value of €130,000 were seized during a search of three houses in the north side of Cork city earlier today.
A commercial vehicle and saloon car were also seized during the operation.
Revenue officials estimate the loss to the exchequer from the cigarettes and tobacco would have been about €100,000.Investigations are ongoing.
понедельник, 21 декабря 2009 г.
Cloverdale fuming over tax-free tobacco shop
A new tobacco shop in Cloverdale is prompting complaints that its American Indian owners enjoy an unfair advantage by not charging sales tax.
When Native Tobacco 101 opened this month, it not only brought cheap cigarettes to Cloverdale, it also touched on a national controversy over Indian smoke shops and the taxes they sometimes avoid.
The shop manager confirmed he does not charge any state or other taxes, such as the 7.75 percent sales tax his competitors are required to levy.
“It seems to me an unfair business practice,” said Cloverdale Mayor Carol Russell, who worries about the effect the new business may have on several “mom and pop” stores that sell tobacco.
“What is it about tobacco that allows one group not to pay taxes and another group to pay?” she said. “It puts other retailers at a disadvantage.”
Chuck Gerken, manager of Native Tobacco 101, said the owners are working with a Native American company licensed to use the land and operate the tobacco business, but he declined to provide more detail.
Most of the tobacco he sells is made by Indians on Native American lands in the states of Washington and New York, he said.
A pack of Smoking Joes, for example, advertised at $2.75, “is $2.75 out the door,” he said, with no additional taxes.
“People are very happy,” Gerken said. “For those who elected to smoke or chew (tobacco) in today’s times, we make it affordable.”But his competitors are not pleased.
“We work hard and pay part of sales taxes they don’t have to. That’s not fair,” said Ravi Singh, owner of Quick Pick Liquors, on the other side of the freeway.
As his store, a pack of cigarettes goes for $3.95, plus 7.75 percent sales tax, bringing the total to $4.26.
A state tax official said tribes that sell cigarettes on Indian land to non-reservation members are required to collect a “use tax” equal to a sales tax.
But experts say the state can’t force tribes to collect it and the responsibility technically lies with the customer to pay the tax.
“It’s difficult to enforce because Indian reservations operate under different rules than other retailers,” said Anita Gore, a spokeswoman for the state Board of Equalization.
The rules differ from state to state, and the stakes can be high.
In New York, officials have pending lawsuits against tribes to force them to pay taxes the state says are lost to bootleg sales of cigarettes, tobacco bought on reservations or through the Internet. The lost revenue may have been as high as $576 million in 2004 alone, according to New York.
In Cloverdale, Native Tobacco 101 is on a frontage road next to Highway 101 at the south end of town. It sells mostly Native American cigarettes, not premium national brands.
The plain-looking building and its banner advertising “discounted cigarettes and tobacco products,” is clearly visible from Highway 101.
The business is on a remnant of the former Cloverdale Rancheria owned by the survivors of John Santana, a Pomo elder and postmaster who was allotted the land more than 40 years agoafter the rancheria was dissolved.
Some residents thought the tobacco store opening signaled the impending construction of a proposed Indian casino, but that is likely years away, assuming federal and state approvals are obtained.
The restored Cloverdale Rancheria Band of Pomo Indians, who are proposing the casino, have distanced themselves from the smoke shop. Tribal leaders said they have no connection with it and the tobacco business is not tied to the casino project planned on nearby property.
In a letter published in the Cloverdale Reveille newspaper, the tribal council said the smoke shop is not on land belonging to the tribe.
But the parcel is still held in federal trust as Indian land belonging to Santana’s heirs, which exempts it from local zoning regulations and clouds the issue of sales taxes collection.
Even though Native Tobacco 101 doesn’t offer major cigarette brands, it does have bulk and chew tobacco that other local stores sell, such as Copenhagen and Skoal.
A 1.2-ounce tin of Copenhagen, for example, sells for $3.75 — with no taxes — at Native Tobacco 101.
But at Quick Pick Liquors, it goes for $3.95, plus 7.75 percent tax, bringing the total to $4.26.
Holding up a small tin of Copenhagen, Singh said, “I used to sell a lot of these guys — 50 rolls a week. Now, not even 10.”
He said his sales have dropped off dramatically because he can’t compete with the Native American business.
Les Marston, a Ukiah attorney who litigated a pivotal U.S. Supreme Court case in the mid-1980s involving tobacco sales by a California tribe, said the court made it clear tribes have an obligation to collect and remit state tax on the sale of cigarettes to non-tribal members.
But he said when it comes to tribes around the country, federal law requires an examination of state law as to who has the obligation to pay the tax — the buyer or the seller.
“Every state is different,” he said.
Marston said he represents a half-dozen tribes in California that sell tobacco, typically as part of their casino operation.
“I do know all the tribes I represent are collecting and remitting state tax on cigarettes,” he said.
But if Indian tobacco shops don’t send in the tax, it’s not simple for the state to enforce collection.
Marston said the state can’t sue the tribe nor file a lien on real or personal property on the reservation, seize off-reservation bank accounts or come onto the reservation for judicial or administrative enforcement.
Basically, the responsibility in California falls on the consumer to pay the tax. It’s similar to making a purchase on the Internet, in which consumers are not charged sales tax but are supposed to remit the equivalent tax to the state.
But Cloverdale Mayor Russell, worries that when an Indian cigarette retailer doesn’t collect the tax, the health programs that rely on the revenue will suffer.
Other taxpayers will “eventually have to take care of people who are ill because they smoke cigarettes,” she said.
When Native Tobacco 101 opened this month, it not only brought cheap cigarettes to Cloverdale, it also touched on a national controversy over Indian smoke shops and the taxes they sometimes avoid.
The shop manager confirmed he does not charge any state or other taxes, such as the 7.75 percent sales tax his competitors are required to levy.
“It seems to me an unfair business practice,” said Cloverdale Mayor Carol Russell, who worries about the effect the new business may have on several “mom and pop” stores that sell tobacco.
“What is it about tobacco that allows one group not to pay taxes and another group to pay?” she said. “It puts other retailers at a disadvantage.”
Chuck Gerken, manager of Native Tobacco 101, said the owners are working with a Native American company licensed to use the land and operate the tobacco business, but he declined to provide more detail.
Most of the tobacco he sells is made by Indians on Native American lands in the states of Washington and New York, he said.
A pack of Smoking Joes, for example, advertised at $2.75, “is $2.75 out the door,” he said, with no additional taxes.
“People are very happy,” Gerken said. “For those who elected to smoke or chew (tobacco) in today’s times, we make it affordable.”But his competitors are not pleased.
“We work hard and pay part of sales taxes they don’t have to. That’s not fair,” said Ravi Singh, owner of Quick Pick Liquors, on the other side of the freeway.
As his store, a pack of cigarettes goes for $3.95, plus 7.75 percent sales tax, bringing the total to $4.26.
A state tax official said tribes that sell cigarettes on Indian land to non-reservation members are required to collect a “use tax” equal to a sales tax.
But experts say the state can’t force tribes to collect it and the responsibility technically lies with the customer to pay the tax.
“It’s difficult to enforce because Indian reservations operate under different rules than other retailers,” said Anita Gore, a spokeswoman for the state Board of Equalization.
The rules differ from state to state, and the stakes can be high.
In New York, officials have pending lawsuits against tribes to force them to pay taxes the state says are lost to bootleg sales of cigarettes, tobacco bought on reservations or through the Internet. The lost revenue may have been as high as $576 million in 2004 alone, according to New York.
In Cloverdale, Native Tobacco 101 is on a frontage road next to Highway 101 at the south end of town. It sells mostly Native American cigarettes, not premium national brands.
The plain-looking building and its banner advertising “discounted cigarettes and tobacco products,” is clearly visible from Highway 101.
The business is on a remnant of the former Cloverdale Rancheria owned by the survivors of John Santana, a Pomo elder and postmaster who was allotted the land more than 40 years agoafter the rancheria was dissolved.
Some residents thought the tobacco store opening signaled the impending construction of a proposed Indian casino, but that is likely years away, assuming federal and state approvals are obtained.
The restored Cloverdale Rancheria Band of Pomo Indians, who are proposing the casino, have distanced themselves from the smoke shop. Tribal leaders said they have no connection with it and the tobacco business is not tied to the casino project planned on nearby property.
In a letter published in the Cloverdale Reveille newspaper, the tribal council said the smoke shop is not on land belonging to the tribe.
But the parcel is still held in federal trust as Indian land belonging to Santana’s heirs, which exempts it from local zoning regulations and clouds the issue of sales taxes collection.
Even though Native Tobacco 101 doesn’t offer major cigarette brands, it does have bulk and chew tobacco that other local stores sell, such as Copenhagen and Skoal.
A 1.2-ounce tin of Copenhagen, for example, sells for $3.75 — with no taxes — at Native Tobacco 101.
But at Quick Pick Liquors, it goes for $3.95, plus 7.75 percent tax, bringing the total to $4.26.
Holding up a small tin of Copenhagen, Singh said, “I used to sell a lot of these guys — 50 rolls a week. Now, not even 10.”
He said his sales have dropped off dramatically because he can’t compete with the Native American business.
Les Marston, a Ukiah attorney who litigated a pivotal U.S. Supreme Court case in the mid-1980s involving tobacco sales by a California tribe, said the court made it clear tribes have an obligation to collect and remit state tax on the sale of cigarettes to non-tribal members.
But he said when it comes to tribes around the country, federal law requires an examination of state law as to who has the obligation to pay the tax — the buyer or the seller.
“Every state is different,” he said.
Marston said he represents a half-dozen tribes in California that sell tobacco, typically as part of their casino operation.
“I do know all the tribes I represent are collecting and remitting state tax on cigarettes,” he said.
But if Indian tobacco shops don’t send in the tax, it’s not simple for the state to enforce collection.
Marston said the state can’t sue the tribe nor file a lien on real or personal property on the reservation, seize off-reservation bank accounts or come onto the reservation for judicial or administrative enforcement.
Basically, the responsibility in California falls on the consumer to pay the tax. It’s similar to making a purchase on the Internet, in which consumers are not charged sales tax but are supposed to remit the equivalent tax to the state.
But Cloverdale Mayor Russell, worries that when an Indian cigarette retailer doesn’t collect the tax, the health programs that rely on the revenue will suffer.
Other taxpayers will “eventually have to take care of people who are ill because they smoke cigarettes,” she said.
пятница, 18 декабря 2009 г.
High school tougher on tobacco than sex
Two Clinton High School students who engaged in oral sex in school were suspended until Friday, while a student caught with tobacco for a third time was expelled for a year.
The differing punishments raised eyebrows and sparked discussion among Anderson County school board members during their latest meeting.
"There's certain behavior that there's no question, it's wrong," member Dail Cantrell said of the oral sex incident. "You have to send a message."
"I understand we do not have a policy on oral sex and we do have one on tobacco," board chairman Dr. John Burrell said Tuesday.
Still, he said, the punishment meted out to the 16-year-old girl and 16-year-old boy for the sexual episode "should have been a lot stronger than a two-week suspension," Burrell said.
A video surveillance camera spotted the two students entering a restroom, and they later admitted to having the sexual encounter there, officials said.
The case illustrates the challenges school officials face in imposing suitable punishments, Director Larry Foster said.
In the tobacco case, there's a state law against underage possession, he said.
Foster said the case in question was a third-offense tobacco violation and that the school system's code of student conduct recommends expulsion.
Guidelines about in-school sexual activities are only broadly mentioned as "immoral, disreputable or disruptive conduct" in the conduct code.
Disciplinary measures for those cases span the gamut from verbal reprimands to expulsion, according to the code.
And punishments have varied widely, said Lisa Fair, the school system's deputy director of student services.
In October, she said, a 13-year-old girl performed oral sex on a 16-year-old boy while they were on a school bus and other students were present.
Those students were expelled, and they are now in the system's alternative school for children with disciplinary issues called the Learn Center, Fair said.
Even if students are expelled, "you have to continue providing services," former director V.L. Stonecipher said Tuesday.
School board members each month receive a report that lists disciplinary cases - with students only identified by age and school - on various offenses and the punishments meted out.
Offenses for November included possession of knives and box cutters, fighting, drug possession and use, and repeatedly cutting classes.
Burrell, during the latest board meeting, expressed dismay at some of the penalties that were handed out.
"It does not seem like very much of a punishment to me for some of these things," he said.
"Somebody's got to put their foot down," Cantrell said.
He said there are more disciplinary problems at Clinton High than at Anderson County High, the system's other high school.
Foster said principals impose punishments on a case-by-case basis, but students and their parents can appeal those penalties to the school system's Disciplinary Hearing Authority. That group of eight administrators conducts appeal hearings and has the power to modify punishments, he said. Any further appeal proceeding goes to him, Foster said.
While board members questioned the severity of various punishments, no action was taken during their Dec. 10 session.
"I think we need to get more strict somewhere down the road," Burrell said Tuesday.
The differing punishments raised eyebrows and sparked discussion among Anderson County school board members during their latest meeting.
"There's certain behavior that there's no question, it's wrong," member Dail Cantrell said of the oral sex incident. "You have to send a message."
"I understand we do not have a policy on oral sex and we do have one on tobacco," board chairman Dr. John Burrell said Tuesday.
Still, he said, the punishment meted out to the 16-year-old girl and 16-year-old boy for the sexual episode "should have been a lot stronger than a two-week suspension," Burrell said.
A video surveillance camera spotted the two students entering a restroom, and they later admitted to having the sexual encounter there, officials said.
The case illustrates the challenges school officials face in imposing suitable punishments, Director Larry Foster said.
In the tobacco case, there's a state law against underage possession, he said.
Foster said the case in question was a third-offense tobacco violation and that the school system's code of student conduct recommends expulsion.
Guidelines about in-school sexual activities are only broadly mentioned as "immoral, disreputable or disruptive conduct" in the conduct code.
Disciplinary measures for those cases span the gamut from verbal reprimands to expulsion, according to the code.
And punishments have varied widely, said Lisa Fair, the school system's deputy director of student services.
In October, she said, a 13-year-old girl performed oral sex on a 16-year-old boy while they were on a school bus and other students were present.
Those students were expelled, and they are now in the system's alternative school for children with disciplinary issues called the Learn Center, Fair said.
Even if students are expelled, "you have to continue providing services," former director V.L. Stonecipher said Tuesday.
School board members each month receive a report that lists disciplinary cases - with students only identified by age and school - on various offenses and the punishments meted out.
Offenses for November included possession of knives and box cutters, fighting, drug possession and use, and repeatedly cutting classes.
Burrell, during the latest board meeting, expressed dismay at some of the penalties that were handed out.
"It does not seem like very much of a punishment to me for some of these things," he said.
"Somebody's got to put their foot down," Cantrell said.
He said there are more disciplinary problems at Clinton High than at Anderson County High, the system's other high school.
Foster said principals impose punishments on a case-by-case basis, but students and their parents can appeal those penalties to the school system's Disciplinary Hearing Authority. That group of eight administrators conducts appeal hearings and has the power to modify punishments, he said. Any further appeal proceeding goes to him, Foster said.
While board members questioned the severity of various punishments, no action was taken during their Dec. 10 session.
"I think we need to get more strict somewhere down the road," Burrell said Tuesday.
вторник, 15 декабря 2009 г.
Cigarettes stolen during burglary
About $600 worth of cigarettes were stolen during a Thanksgiving burglary at Valero, 848 N. Broadway.
Eight cartons of Marlboro and 40 packs of other cigarettes were stolen, along with cash, between 4:40 and 5:45 a.m. Thursday, according to a Salina Police Department report.
The loss, combined with damage to a glass door, amounted to about $900.
Eight cartons of Marlboro and 40 packs of other cigarettes were stolen, along with cash, between 4:40 and 5:45 a.m. Thursday, according to a Salina Police Department report.
The loss, combined with damage to a glass door, amounted to about $900.
понедельник, 14 декабря 2009 г.
"Cigarettes kill," but don't tell smokers
Study shows that warnings related to self-esteem were more effective than those indicating "cigarettes kill" in reducing smoking, according to media reports quoting the Journal of Experimental Social Psychology Monday.
Psychologists from the U.S., Switzerland and Germany conducted a small study and drew the conclusion that warnings such as "smoking makes you unattractive" or "smoking brings you and the people around you severe damage" do a better job in talking people out of their habit.
This worked especially well when people smoked to boost their self-esteem, such as young people who learned to smoke to become popular or fit in with their peers, the psychologists figured out.
"To succeed with anti-smoking messages on cigarette packs one has to take into account that considering their death may make people smoke," the study said.
A total of 39 psychology students, smokers aged between 17 and 41, participated in the study.
"On the one hand, death-related warnings were not effective and even ironically caused more positive smoking attitudes among smokers who based their self-esteem on smoking," the study said.
"On the other hand, warning messages that were unrelated to death effectively reduced smoking attitudes" among those who smoke for self-esteem.
Psychologists from the U.S., Switzerland and Germany conducted a small study and drew the conclusion that warnings such as "smoking makes you unattractive" or "smoking brings you and the people around you severe damage" do a better job in talking people out of their habit.
This worked especially well when people smoked to boost their self-esteem, such as young people who learned to smoke to become popular or fit in with their peers, the psychologists figured out.
"To succeed with anti-smoking messages on cigarette packs one has to take into account that considering their death may make people smoke," the study said.
A total of 39 psychology students, smokers aged between 17 and 41, participated in the study.
"On the one hand, death-related warnings were not effective and even ironically caused more positive smoking attitudes among smokers who based their self-esteem on smoking," the study said.
"On the other hand, warning messages that were unrelated to death effectively reduced smoking attitudes" among those who smoke for self-esteem.
вторник, 1 декабря 2009 г.
Virginia, the US state built on tobacco, goes smoke-free
The US state of Virginia is poised to ban smoking in most restaurants and bars as of midnight on Tuesday, turning the page on 400 years of history that is tightly tied to tobacco.
"December 1st is an historic day in that we are enacting a smoking ban across the Commonwealth, which is a tobacco state," Gary Hagy, director of the Virginia Department of Health's division of food and environmental services, told AFP.
Outgoing Governor Tim Kaine has called on state residents to dine out on Tuesday, "when the daily special will be smoke-free air," said Hagy.
"A lot of people are very excited. They've been wanting to go non-smoking but kind of needed a little reason to go non-smoking and this has provided that for them," said Hagy.
But Jimmy Cirrito, who runs a bar in Herndon, Virginia, near Washington, was less than happy with the new law.
"It's not really a ban because the Virginia government said if there's a separate room with ventilation and a door, people can smoke there. So there are bars all around me where people can still go and smoke. But I can't do anything to my bar -- it's in a 100-year-old building," Cirrito told AFP.
"And it's not as if I'm letting people smoke marijuana or do things that are illegal. I'm allowing them to smoke a cigarette that they bought in a machine in my bar or in the 7-Eleven across the street," Cirrito, a life-long non-smoker, said.
Virginia joins 27 other states and the US capital, Washington DC, in enacting legislation prohibiting smoking in restaurants.
But for Virginia, banning smoking carries great significance because the history of the state -- or commonwealth as it is called -- is inextricably linked to tobacco.
English settler John Rolfe -- who went on to marry Pocahontas, the native American princess -- planted tobacco in the settlement of Jamestown in 1612.
Two years later, the first shipment of Virginia tobacco was sold in London, and by 1639, tobacco had become the American colonies' chief export.
"December 1st is an historic day in that we are enacting a smoking ban across the Commonwealth, which is a tobacco state," Gary Hagy, director of the Virginia Department of Health's division of food and environmental services, told AFP.
Outgoing Governor Tim Kaine has called on state residents to dine out on Tuesday, "when the daily special will be smoke-free air," said Hagy.
"A lot of people are very excited. They've been wanting to go non-smoking but kind of needed a little reason to go non-smoking and this has provided that for them," said Hagy.
But Jimmy Cirrito, who runs a bar in Herndon, Virginia, near Washington, was less than happy with the new law.
"It's not really a ban because the Virginia government said if there's a separate room with ventilation and a door, people can smoke there. So there are bars all around me where people can still go and smoke. But I can't do anything to my bar -- it's in a 100-year-old building," Cirrito told AFP.
"And it's not as if I'm letting people smoke marijuana or do things that are illegal. I'm allowing them to smoke a cigarette that they bought in a machine in my bar or in the 7-Eleven across the street," Cirrito, a life-long non-smoker, said.
Virginia joins 27 other states and the US capital, Washington DC, in enacting legislation prohibiting smoking in restaurants.
But for Virginia, banning smoking carries great significance because the history of the state -- or commonwealth as it is called -- is inextricably linked to tobacco.
English settler John Rolfe -- who went on to marry Pocahontas, the native American princess -- planted tobacco in the settlement of Jamestown in 1612.
Two years later, the first shipment of Virginia tobacco was sold in London, and by 1639, tobacco had become the American colonies' chief export.
понедельник, 30 ноября 2009 г.
Philip Morris Sues - Counterfeit Marlboros
Philip Morris USA will sue over counterfeit cigarettes. The nation's largest tobacco company accuses 10 New York and New Jersey retailers of selling counterfeit Marlboro cigarettes in the federal lawsuit that was filed late last week. They have now filed lawsuits against a total of 27 stores this year in the two states in an effort to defend their brand.ABC News reports, "Philip Morris is asking the court to ban the retailers — small grocery stores and delis — from purchasing, distributing or selling counterfeit Marlboro cigarettes. It also is asking for companies to turn over their profits from the illegal cigarettes, along with punitive damages and attorney's fees."
In a move certain to raise the ire and interest of cash starved governments, Philip Morris "alleges that in addition to selling products with bogus branding, the state and federal taxes were not properly paid on the cigarettes," a report from NJ Biz adds.
The company added that both New York and New Jersey are areas rife for counterfeit tobacco products due to the high taxes levied against each product. An Associated Press story notes, "in New York City, a pack of Marlboro cigarettes can cost more than $10."
In a move certain to raise the ire and interest of cash starved governments, Philip Morris "alleges that in addition to selling products with bogus branding, the state and federal taxes were not properly paid on the cigarettes," a report from NJ Biz adds.
The company added that both New York and New Jersey are areas rife for counterfeit tobacco products due to the high taxes levied against each product. An Associated Press story notes, "in New York City, a pack of Marlboro cigarettes can cost more than $10."
четверг, 26 ноября 2009 г.
Third of minors buying cigarettes from shops and pubs
The Office of Tobacco Control has said there is a long way to go to ensure cigarettes are not getting into the hands of minors.
It's latest research shows around a third of minors are still buying cigarettes in shops and from vending machines in pubs.
A third of pubs and almost a third of shopkeepers are allowing cigarettes to be sold to minors, according to the latest survey from the Office of Tobacco Control.
It also shows the ban on point-of-sale advertising, introduced in July, is working well.
The survey also showed that in almost all cases where ID was asked for cigarettes were not sold.
It's latest research shows around a third of minors are still buying cigarettes in shops and from vending machines in pubs.
A third of pubs and almost a third of shopkeepers are allowing cigarettes to be sold to minors, according to the latest survey from the Office of Tobacco Control.
It also shows the ban on point-of-sale advertising, introduced in July, is working well.
The survey also showed that in almost all cases where ID was asked for cigarettes were not sold.
понедельник, 23 ноября 2009 г.
Smuggled cigarettes bound for NI
A man is being questioned after millions of smuggled cigarettes were seized in the Irish Republic.
Irish customs officials seized between five and six million cigarettes on the M1 near Dundalk, County Louth. It is believed they were destined for NI.
They were hidden in a container which arrived in Dublin Port from Barcelona. The seizure was made on Monday morning.
The Irish authorities said 1.6m euros would have been lost through the sale of the untaxed cigarettes.
Irish customs officials seized between five and six million cigarettes on the M1 near Dundalk, County Louth. It is believed they were destined for NI.
They were hidden in a container which arrived in Dublin Port from Barcelona. The seizure was made on Monday morning.
The Irish authorities said 1.6m euros would have been lost through the sale of the untaxed cigarettes.
среда, 18 ноября 2009 г.
Tobacco is the leading cause of death
I'd like to remind your readers that Thursday, Nov. 19 marks the American Cancer Society's Great American Smokeout a day that encourages smokers to quit and non-smokers not to start. Tobacco remains the leading cause of death nationwide, and accounts for one out of every three cancer deaths in California every year.
And to the ex-smokers in our community; congratulations on your success in living a tobacco-free life! You have greatly reduced your risk of diseases such as cancer, heart disease and lung disease not to mention reducing your community's exposure to the hazards of second-hand smoke.
If you know someone who smokes and is interested in quitting, Great American Smokeout is the perfect time to remind them that the American Cancer Society has developed resources such as cancer.org/smokeout and the toll-free number, 1-800-227-2345. Both are accessible 24/7 to help smokers manage a plan to quit. And if you're interested in ensuring that your community is smoke-free, get involved in American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) at acscan.org. In addition, the St. Helena Center for Health offers a residential Smoke-Free Life Program in a supportive, smoke-free environment.
And to the ex-smokers in our community; congratulations on your success in living a tobacco-free life! You have greatly reduced your risk of diseases such as cancer, heart disease and lung disease not to mention reducing your community's exposure to the hazards of second-hand smoke.
If you know someone who smokes and is interested in quitting, Great American Smokeout is the perfect time to remind them that the American Cancer Society has developed resources such as cancer.org/smokeout and the toll-free number, 1-800-227-2345. Both are accessible 24/7 to help smokers manage a plan to quit. And if you're interested in ensuring that your community is smoke-free, get involved in American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) at acscan.org. In addition, the St. Helena Center for Health offers a residential Smoke-Free Life Program in a supportive, smoke-free environment.
понедельник, 16 ноября 2009 г.
Under-aged decoy buys cigarettes
During an undercover compliance check, three businesses sold cigarettes to under-aged shoppers on Friday, Oct. 30, according to Det. Lt. Scott Fischer of the village of Holly Police Department. This was Phase II of the police department’s 2009 Youth Sentinel Program.
Phase II was completed when undercover officers conducted compliance checks of 11 local businesses who sell tobacco products. A 17-year-old decoy was sent into the businesses and attempted to purchase a pack of cigarettes. Eight of the businesses examined the decoy’s identification and refused the sale.
Fischer said three businesses sold the decoy cigarettes and those clerks were issued a state law citation. The citations are a misdemeanor punishable by up to 93 days in jail and a fine of up to $500.
In June, Phase I was completed when a 19-year-old decoy was sent into liquor license holding establishments and attempted to purchase alcoholic beverages. Two of the businesses sold alcohol to the decoy. The employees responsible were issued citations and the businesses were petitioned to the Michigan Liquor Control ommission.
This year’s Youth Sentinel program began in April, when officers visited all liquor license holding establishments and businesses that sell tobacco products within the village of Holly, educating them in the importance of not selling those products to minors.
Fischer said those businesses were told during the visits that police officers would be conducting undercover compliance checks utilizing under-aged decoys in the immediate future.
Phase II was completed when undercover officers conducted compliance checks of 11 local businesses who sell tobacco products. A 17-year-old decoy was sent into the businesses and attempted to purchase a pack of cigarettes. Eight of the businesses examined the decoy’s identification and refused the sale.
Fischer said three businesses sold the decoy cigarettes and those clerks were issued a state law citation. The citations are a misdemeanor punishable by up to 93 days in jail and a fine of up to $500.
In June, Phase I was completed when a 19-year-old decoy was sent into liquor license holding establishments and attempted to purchase alcoholic beverages. Two of the businesses sold alcohol to the decoy. The employees responsible were issued citations and the businesses were petitioned to the Michigan Liquor Control ommission.
This year’s Youth Sentinel program began in April, when officers visited all liquor license holding establishments and businesses that sell tobacco products within the village of Holly, educating them in the importance of not selling those products to minors.
Fischer said those businesses were told during the visits that police officers would be conducting undercover compliance checks utilizing under-aged decoys in the immediate future.
четверг, 12 ноября 2009 г.
Addie fancies puffing on cigars after concerts
Some people choose going to see a movie or shopping at the mall as stress-relief therapy. Composer-slash-conductor Addie M.S. opts for something a little different: smoking cigars.
When his days get too tiring, lighting up a cigar does the trick in perking him up a bit.
“I indulge myself in smoking cigars after finishing a concert,” says the 15-year stogie veteran.
“It’s like a carrot dangling in front of my head to remind me that after the hard work, I’ll get to do what I want.”
At first, clove cigarettes were his weapon of choice. But after countless burn holes in his shirts, Addie chose another option.
“I had a friend laugh at me when he saw holes in my conductor’s costume, and then he offered me a cigar,” says the 50-year-old.
“At first it tasted weird. But then I got carried away with the different sensation cigars bring.”
When his days get too tiring, lighting up a cigar does the trick in perking him up a bit.
“I indulge myself in smoking cigars after finishing a concert,” says the 15-year stogie veteran.
“It’s like a carrot dangling in front of my head to remind me that after the hard work, I’ll get to do what I want.”
At first, clove cigarettes were his weapon of choice. But after countless burn holes in his shirts, Addie chose another option.
“I had a friend laugh at me when he saw holes in my conductor’s costume, and then he offered me a cigar,” says the 50-year-old.
“At first it tasted weird. But then I got carried away with the different sensation cigars bring.”
вторник, 10 ноября 2009 г.
Beckman hopes reform fees go up in smoke
Have healthcare companies sunk as far as controversial tobacco companies in the public eye? One medical equipment maker thinks so.
Makers of medical tests, implants and other devices face anywhere from $2 billion-a-year in industry-wide taxes in the House of Representatives’ health reform bill passed on Saturday to $4 billion-a-year under a Senate version.
The Senate measure’s tax is not deductible and would be applied much like the tobacco settlement from cigarette makers years ago, said Beckman Coulter CEO Scott Garrett.
“That hurts, that stings to be treated like the tobacco industry,” he told the Reuters Health Summit in New York.
It could hurt customers — hospitals, patients and others — too. Companies have said they would have pass along any higher costs from the tax directly onto users.
Garrett, whose company makes clinical diagnostic tests as well as other research instruments, said he was “rooting for the House version,” which is tax deductible and phases in the charges starting in 2013.
Makers of medical tests, implants and other devices face anywhere from $2 billion-a-year in industry-wide taxes in the House of Representatives’ health reform bill passed on Saturday to $4 billion-a-year under a Senate version.
The Senate measure’s tax is not deductible and would be applied much like the tobacco settlement from cigarette makers years ago, said Beckman Coulter CEO Scott Garrett.
“That hurts, that stings to be treated like the tobacco industry,” he told the Reuters Health Summit in New York.
It could hurt customers — hospitals, patients and others — too. Companies have said they would have pass along any higher costs from the tax directly onto users.
Garrett, whose company makes clinical diagnostic tests as well as other research instruments, said he was “rooting for the House version,” which is tax deductible and phases in the charges starting in 2013.
пятница, 6 ноября 2009 г.
Ice cream man in cigarette scam
A man from Cumbria has admitted selling counterfeit cigarettes to a child from his ice cream van.
Anthony Wharton, 61, of Marsden Street, Barrow was caught by trading standards officers who found him selling cigarettes to a 16-year-old.
He pleaded guilty at Furness and District Magistrates Court to three charges of selling counterfeit cigarettes. He also admitted one count of selling cigarettes to a minor.
Wharton admitted he would often sell cigarettes to children whom he thought looked old enough, but he failed to ask for proof of age.
After a raid at his home on 14 October 1,360 counterfeit cigarettes were found.
Wharton must pay court costs of £350 and surrender all counterfeit cigarettes. He was also ordered to complete 60 hours unpaid community work.
Anthony Wharton, 61, of Marsden Street, Barrow was caught by trading standards officers who found him selling cigarettes to a 16-year-old.
He pleaded guilty at Furness and District Magistrates Court to three charges of selling counterfeit cigarettes. He also admitted one count of selling cigarettes to a minor.
Wharton admitted he would often sell cigarettes to children whom he thought looked old enough, but he failed to ask for proof of age.
After a raid at his home on 14 October 1,360 counterfeit cigarettes were found.
Wharton must pay court costs of £350 and surrender all counterfeit cigarettes. He was also ordered to complete 60 hours unpaid community work.
четверг, 5 ноября 2009 г.
Seneca educates lawmakers on treaty rights, tobacco economy
NEW YORK – State lawmakers at a public hearing heard claims of “lost” tax revenues ranging from tens of millions to billions of dollars from untaxed cigarette sales on Indian reservations.
While none of the witnesses backed up their claims with substantive evidence, the Seneca Nation of Indians presented officials with a three-inch thick document on its treaty rights, legal history, and an economic study by a Harvard economist that pinpointed how – and how much – the nation’s tobacco-based economy benefits the state.
The hearing, which was chaired by Sen. Craig Johnson, D-N.Y., was an all day – and sometimes heated – event at Manhattan Community College Oct. 27. The aim was to investigate why the state has failed in its attempts to collect cigarette taxes from reservation cigarette sales to non-Natives.
J.C. Seneca, a Seneca Nation tribal councilor, testifying on behalf of the nation, addressed that question at the beginning of his testimony.
“The answer to that question, put simply, is that your government has no authority to do so, that the United States government has promised the Seneca Nation that your taxes would not apply to our territory, and, perhaps most importantly, you cannot force the Nation and the Seneca people to be the state’s tax collectors,” Seneca said.
The hearing was the latest battle in a cigarette tax war that has ebbed and flowed through two decades, characterized by lawsuits and a “forbearance policy” in which the state claims entitlement to collect taxes from cigarettes sold to non-Indians on Indian land, but declines to do so.
The hearing comes on the heels of a letter Gov. David Paterson wrote to federal prosecutors, asking for a “threat assessment” on the potential for violence if the state tries again to collect the taxes.
More than 100 citizens from Seneca and other Indian nations across the state attended, responding freely to the witnesses’ testimony with cheers, applause or rebukes.
Seneca and Robert Porter, the nation’s general counsel, said the plain language meaning of the nation’s 1842 Treaty of Buffalo – which says, in part, that the U.S. “will protect such lands of the Seneca Indians, within the State of New York, as may from time to time remain in their possession from all taxes, and assessments for roads, highways, or any other purpose.”
Johnson suggested the treaty language could mean the state is only prohibited from assessing real estate taxes. He asked why the nation has never taken the issue to court.
“It seems to me that would put an end once and for all to the question of whether or not New York state can collect sales tax on cigarette sales to non-Native Americans,” he said.
“We wouldn’t trust the court to rule in our favor,” Seneca said, adding that the nation determines the meaning of its treaties, not the courts.
Porter noted that the nation’s gaming compact does not concede jurisdiction to courts, but instead stipulates an arbitration process in the case of unresolved conflicts.
The notion that the nation would trust the state’s courts to resolve a dispute is just as unlikely as the state trusting the nation’s courts to resolve a dispute, Porter said.
“We’re dealing here with international law; we’re dealing with a treaty to which you are not even a party. You are simply obligated under your law to adhere to those treaties. We need to go to the United Nations to achieve the proper degree of involvement in our internal disputes. If that is the direction you’re going in, we’ll gladly invoke that as well as we have with the president of the United States.”
Sen. Martin Golden tried to persuade Seneca that it would only be “fair” to share the nation’s “taxes” with New York tax payers.
“If you agree that most of this (the sale of untaxed cigarettes) is going on across the borders you should have no problem in allowing state regulators to be part of the Seneca Nation and other nations to monitor (your sales). … We want fairness, you want fairness. Let’s get together so those dollars that are part of Indian nations are equally shared with the tax payers, especially when it comes to those non-tribal members that are purchasing 49 cartons of cigarettes,” Golden said.
Seneca replied that a taxation agreement has already been made – the Treaty of 1842.
Golden insisted that the state needs to “collect those taxes “before it falls into greater debt” – a theme reiterated by several senators.
Sen. George Maziarz said he wants to “dissociate” himself from Golden and comments by other lawmakers who said Indians take social services from the state, but give nothing back.
“I’m probably the only one who has grown up and lived and currently lives next to a Native American community. We all went to public schools, they went to the Indian school and they were not equal, I can tell you. The roads on the rez were always the last to be paved. Health care was almost nonexistent.”
Sen. Michael Nozzolio raised the issue of Paterson’s “threat assessment” letter and told Seneca he hoped the nation “would not condone violence.”
“Indian people struggle every day to fight for what we have and we’re going to continue to fight. When violence happened in the past, it was precipitated by the state. Seneca people weren’t armed. We didn’t have guns. We didn’t have clubs. We didn’t invade anybody’s territory,” Seneca said.
Sen. Eric Adams stood up for the nation’s right to defend itself.
There was no consensus on the estimated “lost taxes.”
William Comiskey, the tax and finance department’s deputy commissioner, said losses could be as much as $225 million annually, “assuming full compliance.”
But full compliance can’t be assumed because it’s impossible to calculate the number of untaxed cigarettes distributed through non-state licensed sources, he said.
Stephen Rosenthal described himself as “the largest distributor of tobacco and cigarettes in New York” until untaxed cigarette sales drove him out of business. He claimed with no evidence that the state’s loss is $1.6 billion.
Seneca pointed out that the nation is one of the largest employers in western New York, providing jobs with benefits for more than 6,300 mostly non-Native people.
Harvard economist Jonathan Taylor’s study detailed how every $1 of gross profits accrued to the nation’s tobacco businesses provides the state economy with $1.67. In 2007 alone, the nation’s combined tobacco and gas businesses generated an estimated $313 million and spun off nearly $200 million into the economy. The nation’s economic activities have contributed more than $1.1 billion to the statewide economy over the last decade, he said.
So even if the nation is not subject to taxation, the ripple effect of its economy benefits the state, Seneca said.
The committee will review all the testimonies and additional material that may be submitted and issue a report by the end of the year or early next year.
While none of the witnesses backed up their claims with substantive evidence, the Seneca Nation of Indians presented officials with a three-inch thick document on its treaty rights, legal history, and an economic study by a Harvard economist that pinpointed how – and how much – the nation’s tobacco-based economy benefits the state.
The hearing, which was chaired by Sen. Craig Johnson, D-N.Y., was an all day – and sometimes heated – event at Manhattan Community College Oct. 27. The aim was to investigate why the state has failed in its attempts to collect cigarette taxes from reservation cigarette sales to non-Natives.
J.C. Seneca, a Seneca Nation tribal councilor, testifying on behalf of the nation, addressed that question at the beginning of his testimony.
“The answer to that question, put simply, is that your government has no authority to do so, that the United States government has promised the Seneca Nation that your taxes would not apply to our territory, and, perhaps most importantly, you cannot force the Nation and the Seneca people to be the state’s tax collectors,” Seneca said.
The hearing was the latest battle in a cigarette tax war that has ebbed and flowed through two decades, characterized by lawsuits and a “forbearance policy” in which the state claims entitlement to collect taxes from cigarettes sold to non-Indians on Indian land, but declines to do so.
The hearing comes on the heels of a letter Gov. David Paterson wrote to federal prosecutors, asking for a “threat assessment” on the potential for violence if the state tries again to collect the taxes.
More than 100 citizens from Seneca and other Indian nations across the state attended, responding freely to the witnesses’ testimony with cheers, applause or rebukes.
Seneca and Robert Porter, the nation’s general counsel, said the plain language meaning of the nation’s 1842 Treaty of Buffalo – which says, in part, that the U.S. “will protect such lands of the Seneca Indians, within the State of New York, as may from time to time remain in their possession from all taxes, and assessments for roads, highways, or any other purpose.”
Johnson suggested the treaty language could mean the state is only prohibited from assessing real estate taxes. He asked why the nation has never taken the issue to court.
“It seems to me that would put an end once and for all to the question of whether or not New York state can collect sales tax on cigarette sales to non-Native Americans,” he said.
“We wouldn’t trust the court to rule in our favor,” Seneca said, adding that the nation determines the meaning of its treaties, not the courts.
Porter noted that the nation’s gaming compact does not concede jurisdiction to courts, but instead stipulates an arbitration process in the case of unresolved conflicts.
The notion that the nation would trust the state’s courts to resolve a dispute is just as unlikely as the state trusting the nation’s courts to resolve a dispute, Porter said.
“We’re dealing here with international law; we’re dealing with a treaty to which you are not even a party. You are simply obligated under your law to adhere to those treaties. We need to go to the United Nations to achieve the proper degree of involvement in our internal disputes. If that is the direction you’re going in, we’ll gladly invoke that as well as we have with the president of the United States.”
Sen. Martin Golden tried to persuade Seneca that it would only be “fair” to share the nation’s “taxes” with New York tax payers.
“If you agree that most of this (the sale of untaxed cigarettes) is going on across the borders you should have no problem in allowing state regulators to be part of the Seneca Nation and other nations to monitor (your sales). … We want fairness, you want fairness. Let’s get together so those dollars that are part of Indian nations are equally shared with the tax payers, especially when it comes to those non-tribal members that are purchasing 49 cartons of cigarettes,” Golden said.
Seneca replied that a taxation agreement has already been made – the Treaty of 1842.
Golden insisted that the state needs to “collect those taxes “before it falls into greater debt” – a theme reiterated by several senators.
Sen. George Maziarz said he wants to “dissociate” himself from Golden and comments by other lawmakers who said Indians take social services from the state, but give nothing back.
“I’m probably the only one who has grown up and lived and currently lives next to a Native American community. We all went to public schools, they went to the Indian school and they were not equal, I can tell you. The roads on the rez were always the last to be paved. Health care was almost nonexistent.”
Sen. Michael Nozzolio raised the issue of Paterson’s “threat assessment” letter and told Seneca he hoped the nation “would not condone violence.”
“Indian people struggle every day to fight for what we have and we’re going to continue to fight. When violence happened in the past, it was precipitated by the state. Seneca people weren’t armed. We didn’t have guns. We didn’t have clubs. We didn’t invade anybody’s territory,” Seneca said.
Sen. Eric Adams stood up for the nation’s right to defend itself.
There was no consensus on the estimated “lost taxes.”
William Comiskey, the tax and finance department’s deputy commissioner, said losses could be as much as $225 million annually, “assuming full compliance.”
But full compliance can’t be assumed because it’s impossible to calculate the number of untaxed cigarettes distributed through non-state licensed sources, he said.
Stephen Rosenthal described himself as “the largest distributor of tobacco and cigarettes in New York” until untaxed cigarette sales drove him out of business. He claimed with no evidence that the state’s loss is $1.6 billion.
Seneca pointed out that the nation is one of the largest employers in western New York, providing jobs with benefits for more than 6,300 mostly non-Native people.
Harvard economist Jonathan Taylor’s study detailed how every $1 of gross profits accrued to the nation’s tobacco businesses provides the state economy with $1.67. In 2007 alone, the nation’s combined tobacco and gas businesses generated an estimated $313 million and spun off nearly $200 million into the economy. The nation’s economic activities have contributed more than $1.1 billion to the statewide economy over the last decade, he said.
So even if the nation is not subject to taxation, the ripple effect of its economy benefits the state, Seneca said.
The committee will review all the testimonies and additional material that may be submitted and issue a report by the end of the year or early next year.
понедельник, 2 ноября 2009 г.
Tobacco Co. Wins New Trial on $5M Punitives
(CN) - A tobacco company stands to further reduce a $5 million punitive damage award to the family of a man who smoked from age 13 until he died of lung cancer at 57. A New York appellate division ordered a new trial on damages, saying the jury had been given faulty instructions.
Brown & Williamson Tobacco Co. conceded that Harry Frankson smoked a pack of its Lucky Strikes cigarettes each day for 40 years.
The jury ruled that Brown fraudulently concealed the health risks of smoking and awarded $20 million in punitive damages. The trial judge reduced that total to $5 million.
On appeal, the 2nd Appellate Division in Brooklyn said the jury wasn't properly instructed that it could not punish Brown for damages to any smokers other than Frankson, as the plaintiff's attorney mentioned "tens of thousands of deaths" in his summation.
"Absent a proper limiting instruction," Justice Eng wrote, "the jury could have mistakenly understood the plaintiff's argument that the defendants' conduct resulted in the deaths of tens of thousands of people to justify taking those people's deaths into account in calculating the amount of damages warranted to punish the defendants' reprehensible conduct."
Eng remanded the case for a new trial on the issue of punitive damages.
Brown & Williamson Tobacco Co. conceded that Harry Frankson smoked a pack of its Lucky Strikes cigarettes each day for 40 years.
The jury ruled that Brown fraudulently concealed the health risks of smoking and awarded $20 million in punitive damages. The trial judge reduced that total to $5 million.
On appeal, the 2nd Appellate Division in Brooklyn said the jury wasn't properly instructed that it could not punish Brown for damages to any smokers other than Frankson, as the plaintiff's attorney mentioned "tens of thousands of deaths" in his summation.
"Absent a proper limiting instruction," Justice Eng wrote, "the jury could have mistakenly understood the plaintiff's argument that the defendants' conduct resulted in the deaths of tens of thousands of people to justify taking those people's deaths into account in calculating the amount of damages warranted to punish the defendants' reprehensible conduct."
Eng remanded the case for a new trial on the issue of punitive damages.
четверг, 29 октября 2009 г.
Earnings Preview: Lorillard Inc.
RICHMOND, Va. — Tobacco maker Lorillard Inc. reports its third-quarter results on Monday. The following is a summary of key developments and analyst opinion related to the period.
OVERVIEW: The oldest continuously operating U.S. tobacco company and maker of Newport menthol cigarettes, based in Greensboro, N.C., said in July that it was selling more cigarettes even after it raised prices and a federal tax increase went into effect April 1.
Cigarette volumes at Lorillard, whose brands also include Kent, True, Maverick, Old Gold and Max, increased 2.1 percent for the second quarter, when the company estimated volumes fell 4.1 percent across the industry.
It is the fourth major tobacco company to report on its earnings this month. Altria Group Inc. — owner of the nation's biggest cigarette maker, Philip Morris USA, which makes Marlboros — said cost-cutting and higher cigar sales helped its third-quarter profit rise 1.7 percent, even though it sold fewer cigarettes. Altria said its overall cigarette volume fell 12 percent for the quarter, and it estimated a 10 percent drop industrywide.
Reynolds American Inc. — the second-biggest cigarette seller in the U.S. and maker of Camel and Pall Mall — recorded 72 percent higher profit than in last year's third quarter, when restructuring costs and the falling value of its trademarks dampened its earnings. It said its estimated 11 percent drop in volume was better than the industry's decline, which it pegged at 12.6 percent.
Lorillard joined Reynolds and several smaller tobacco companies in suing the U. S. Food and Drug Administration over statements it has made under the new authority it won in June to regulate the tobacco industry. A federal judge in Kentucky is considering the case.
BY THE NUMBERS: Analysts surveyed by Thomson Financial on average expect Lorillard to post a profit of $1.52 per share on revenue of $1.32 billion. In the third quarter a year earlier, the company earned $1.38 per share on revenue of $1.12 billion.
ANALYST TAKE: Analysts hope the third quarter sheds light on cigarette volumes for the year as the industry recovers from turbulence surrounding the federal tax increase.
Credit Suisse analyst Thilo Wrede told investors Oct. 13 that despite volume declines he expects Newport to keep gaining market share and he said Lorillard's Maverick brand would post double-digit volume gains.
In a separate note Sept. 21, Wrede said Lorillard is the best U.S. tobacco company.
"Lorillard continues to have the best margins, volume growth outlook and brand equity," Wrede wrote, adding that Maverick is drawing budget-conscious smokers.
WHAT'S AHEAD: The tobacco industry is anticipating more fallout from the FDA's new regulatory authority. Although a ban on flavored cigarettes went into effect last month, the FDA has not clarified how it will treat menthol cigarettes like Lorillard's popular Newport brand. And both Altria and Reynolds American hope to take some of Lorillard's share of the menthol market.
Wall Street will be looking at how further smoking bans, tax increases and regulation could affect cigarette volumes and profitability.
STOCK PERFORMANCE: During the quarter that ended Sept. 30, shares of Lorillard rose about 7.2 percent to $74.30. Over the previous 52 weeks, the stock traded between $52.50 and $79.02.
OVERVIEW: The oldest continuously operating U.S. tobacco company and maker of Newport menthol cigarettes, based in Greensboro, N.C., said in July that it was selling more cigarettes even after it raised prices and a federal tax increase went into effect April 1.
Cigarette volumes at Lorillard, whose brands also include Kent, True, Maverick, Old Gold and Max, increased 2.1 percent for the second quarter, when the company estimated volumes fell 4.1 percent across the industry.
It is the fourth major tobacco company to report on its earnings this month. Altria Group Inc. — owner of the nation's biggest cigarette maker, Philip Morris USA, which makes Marlboros — said cost-cutting and higher cigar sales helped its third-quarter profit rise 1.7 percent, even though it sold fewer cigarettes. Altria said its overall cigarette volume fell 12 percent for the quarter, and it estimated a 10 percent drop industrywide.
Reynolds American Inc. — the second-biggest cigarette seller in the U.S. and maker of Camel and Pall Mall — recorded 72 percent higher profit than in last year's third quarter, when restructuring costs and the falling value of its trademarks dampened its earnings. It said its estimated 11 percent drop in volume was better than the industry's decline, which it pegged at 12.6 percent.
Lorillard joined Reynolds and several smaller tobacco companies in suing the U. S. Food and Drug Administration over statements it has made under the new authority it won in June to regulate the tobacco industry. A federal judge in Kentucky is considering the case.
BY THE NUMBERS: Analysts surveyed by Thomson Financial on average expect Lorillard to post a profit of $1.52 per share on revenue of $1.32 billion. In the third quarter a year earlier, the company earned $1.38 per share on revenue of $1.12 billion.
ANALYST TAKE: Analysts hope the third quarter sheds light on cigarette volumes for the year as the industry recovers from turbulence surrounding the federal tax increase.
Credit Suisse analyst Thilo Wrede told investors Oct. 13 that despite volume declines he expects Newport to keep gaining market share and he said Lorillard's Maverick brand would post double-digit volume gains.
In a separate note Sept. 21, Wrede said Lorillard is the best U.S. tobacco company.
"Lorillard continues to have the best margins, volume growth outlook and brand equity," Wrede wrote, adding that Maverick is drawing budget-conscious smokers.
WHAT'S AHEAD: The tobacco industry is anticipating more fallout from the FDA's new regulatory authority. Although a ban on flavored cigarettes went into effect last month, the FDA has not clarified how it will treat menthol cigarettes like Lorillard's popular Newport brand. And both Altria and Reynolds American hope to take some of Lorillard's share of the menthol market.
Wall Street will be looking at how further smoking bans, tax increases and regulation could affect cigarette volumes and profitability.
STOCK PERFORMANCE: During the quarter that ended Sept. 30, shares of Lorillard rose about 7.2 percent to $74.30. Over the previous 52 weeks, the stock traded between $52.50 and $79.02.
Earnings Preview: Lorillard Inc.
RICHMOND, Va. — Tobacco maker Lorillard Inc. reports its third-quarter results on Monday. The following is a summary of key developments and analyst opinion related to the period.
OVERVIEW: The oldest continuously operating U.S. tobacco company and maker of Newport menthol cigarettes, based in Greensboro, N.C., said in July that it was selling more cigarettes even after it raised prices and a federal tax increase went into effect April 1.
Cigarette volumes at Lorillard, whose brands also include Kent, True, Maverick, Old Gold and Max, increased 2.1 percent for the second quarter, when the company estimated volumes fell 4.1 percent across the industry.
It is the fourth major tobacco company to report on its earnings this month. Altria Group Inc. — owner of the nation's biggest cigarette maker, Philip Morris USA, which makes Marlboros — said cost-cutting and higher cigar sales helped its third-quarter profit rise 1.7 percent, even though it sold fewer cigarettes. Altria said its overall cigarette volume fell 12 percent for the quarter, and it estimated a 10 percent drop industrywide.
Reynolds American Inc. — the second-biggest cigarette seller in the U.S. and maker of Camel and Pall Mall — recorded 72 percent higher profit than in last year's third quarter, when restructuring costs and the falling value of its trademarks dampened its earnings. It said its estimated 11 percent drop in volume was better than the industry's decline, which it pegged at 12.6 percent.
Lorillard joined Reynolds and several smaller tobacco companies in suing the U. S. Food and Drug Administration over statements it has made under the new authority it won in June to regulate the tobacco industry. A federal judge in Kentucky is considering the case.
BY THE NUMBERS: Analysts surveyed by Thomson Financial on average expect Lorillard to post a profit of $1.52 per share on revenue of $1.32 billion. In the third quarter a year earlier, the company earned $1.38 per share on revenue of $1.12 billion.
ANALYST TAKE: Analysts hope the third quarter sheds light on cigarette volumes for the year as the industry recovers from turbulence surrounding the federal tax increase.
Credit Suisse analyst Thilo Wrede told investors Oct. 13 that despite volume declines he expects Newport to keep gaining market share and he said Lorillard's Maverick brand would post double-digit volume gains.
In a separate note Sept. 21, Wrede said Lorillard is the best U.S. tobacco company.
"Lorillard continues to have the best margins, volume growth outlook and brand equity," Wrede wrote, adding that Maverick is drawing budget-conscious smokers.
WHAT'S AHEAD: The tobacco industry is anticipating more fallout from the FDA's new regulatory authority. Although a ban on flavored cigarettes went into effect last month, the FDA has not clarified how it will treat menthol cigarettes like Lorillard's popular Newport brand. And both Altria and Reynolds American hope to take some of Lorillard's share of the menthol market.
Wall Street will be looking at how further smoking bans, tax increases and regulation could affect cigarette volumes and profitability.
STOCK PERFORMANCE: During the quarter that ended Sept. 30, shares of Lorillard rose about 7.2 percent to $74.30. Over the previous 52 weeks, the stock traded between $52.50 and $79.02.
OVERVIEW: The oldest continuously operating U.S. tobacco company and maker of Newport menthol cigarettes, based in Greensboro, N.C., said in July that it was selling more cigarettes even after it raised prices and a federal tax increase went into effect April 1.
Cigarette volumes at Lorillard, whose brands also include Kent, True, Maverick, Old Gold and Max, increased 2.1 percent for the second quarter, when the company estimated volumes fell 4.1 percent across the industry.
It is the fourth major tobacco company to report on its earnings this month. Altria Group Inc. — owner of the nation's biggest cigarette maker, Philip Morris USA, which makes Marlboros — said cost-cutting and higher cigar sales helped its third-quarter profit rise 1.7 percent, even though it sold fewer cigarettes. Altria said its overall cigarette volume fell 12 percent for the quarter, and it estimated a 10 percent drop industrywide.
Reynolds American Inc. — the second-biggest cigarette seller in the U.S. and maker of Camel and Pall Mall — recorded 72 percent higher profit than in last year's third quarter, when restructuring costs and the falling value of its trademarks dampened its earnings. It said its estimated 11 percent drop in volume was better than the industry's decline, which it pegged at 12.6 percent.
Lorillard joined Reynolds and several smaller tobacco companies in suing the U. S. Food and Drug Administration over statements it has made under the new authority it won in June to regulate the tobacco industry. A federal judge in Kentucky is considering the case.
BY THE NUMBERS: Analysts surveyed by Thomson Financial on average expect Lorillard to post a profit of $1.52 per share on revenue of $1.32 billion. In the third quarter a year earlier, the company earned $1.38 per share on revenue of $1.12 billion.
ANALYST TAKE: Analysts hope the third quarter sheds light on cigarette volumes for the year as the industry recovers from turbulence surrounding the federal tax increase.
Credit Suisse analyst Thilo Wrede told investors Oct. 13 that despite volume declines he expects Newport to keep gaining market share and he said Lorillard's Maverick brand would post double-digit volume gains.
In a separate note Sept. 21, Wrede said Lorillard is the best U.S. tobacco company.
"Lorillard continues to have the best margins, volume growth outlook and brand equity," Wrede wrote, adding that Maverick is drawing budget-conscious smokers.
WHAT'S AHEAD: The tobacco industry is anticipating more fallout from the FDA's new regulatory authority. Although a ban on flavored cigarettes went into effect last month, the FDA has not clarified how it will treat menthol cigarettes like Lorillard's popular Newport brand. And both Altria and Reynolds American hope to take some of Lorillard's share of the menthol market.
Wall Street will be looking at how further smoking bans, tax increases and regulation could affect cigarette volumes and profitability.
STOCK PERFORMANCE: During the quarter that ended Sept. 30, shares of Lorillard rose about 7.2 percent to $74.30. Over the previous 52 weeks, the stock traded between $52.50 and $79.02.
среда, 28 октября 2009 г.
Children hooked on illegal tobacco
Children are getting hooked on smoking through the sale of illegal cigarettes in "tab houses".
Trading Standards officials said 30% of young people admitted buying cheap and illicit tobacco - much of which has been smuggled into the country.
The cigarettes are sold from private homes in deprived areas with no age checks, creating a new generation of smokers struggling in the economic climate, it is claimed.
Richard Ferry, from Trading Standards North East, told the BBC: "About 30% of under 18s admit to buying cheap and illicit tobacco.
"It means they start smoking earlier and they can smoke more. The people who sell from tab houses don't care who they sell to."
The sorts of cigarettes being sold include duty-free cigarettes, which should be for personal use only, fake versions of well-known brands and "cheap whites" - cigarettes aimed specifically at the black market.
Tobacco smuggling is thought to cost the UK economy about £3 billion a year in lost tax revenue.
Meanwhile, customs officers have seized n estimated 120 million cigarettes smuggled into the Irish Republic.
It is understood the majority of the Palace and Chelsea brands were destined for the UK market.
Trading Standards officials said 30% of young people admitted buying cheap and illicit tobacco - much of which has been smuggled into the country.
The cigarettes are sold from private homes in deprived areas with no age checks, creating a new generation of smokers struggling in the economic climate, it is claimed.
Richard Ferry, from Trading Standards North East, told the BBC: "About 30% of under 18s admit to buying cheap and illicit tobacco.
"It means they start smoking earlier and they can smoke more. The people who sell from tab houses don't care who they sell to."
The sorts of cigarettes being sold include duty-free cigarettes, which should be for personal use only, fake versions of well-known brands and "cheap whites" - cigarettes aimed specifically at the black market.
Tobacco smuggling is thought to cost the UK economy about £3 billion a year in lost tax revenue.
Meanwhile, customs officers have seized n estimated 120 million cigarettes smuggled into the Irish Republic.
It is understood the majority of the Palace and Chelsea brands were destined for the UK market.
Crushing virtual ciggies can reduce tobacco addiction
Washington, Oct 28 (ANI): A new study has shown that crushing cigarettes in a virtual reality environment reduces tobacco addiction.
In the study, researchers found that smokers who crushed computer-simulated cigarettes as part of a psychosocial treatment program in a virtual reality environment had significantly reduced nicotine dependence and higher rates of tobacco abstinence than smokers participating in the same program who grasped a computer-simulated ball.
Benoit Girard, MD, Vincent Turcotte, and Bruno Girard, MBA, from the GRAP Occupational Psychology Clinic (Quebec, Canada), and Stéphane Bouchard, PhD, from the University of Quebec in Gatineau, randomly assigned 91 smokers enrolled in a 12-week anti-smoking support program to one of two treatment groups.
In a computer-generated virtual reality environment, one group simulated crushing virtual cigarettes, while the other group grasped virtual balls during 4 weekly sessions.
The findings demonstrate a statistically significant reduction in nicotine addiction among the smokers in the cigarette-crushing group versus those in the ball-grasping group.
Also, at week 12 of the program, the smoking abstinence rate was significantly higher for the cigarette-crushing group (15 percent) compared to the ball-grasping group (2 percent).
Other notable findings include the following: smokers who crushed virtual cigarettes tended to stay in the treatment program longer than the ball-grasping group. At the 6-month follow-up, 39 percent of the cigarette crushers reported not smoking during the previous week, compared to 20 percent of the ball graspers.
The study has been described in the current issue of CyberPsychology and Behaviour, a peer-reviewed journal published by Mary Ann Liebert, Inc. (ANI)
In the study, researchers found that smokers who crushed computer-simulated cigarettes as part of a psychosocial treatment program in a virtual reality environment had significantly reduced nicotine dependence and higher rates of tobacco abstinence than smokers participating in the same program who grasped a computer-simulated ball.
Benoit Girard, MD, Vincent Turcotte, and Bruno Girard, MBA, from the GRAP Occupational Psychology Clinic (Quebec, Canada), and Stéphane Bouchard, PhD, from the University of Quebec in Gatineau, randomly assigned 91 smokers enrolled in a 12-week anti-smoking support program to one of two treatment groups.
In a computer-generated virtual reality environment, one group simulated crushing virtual cigarettes, while the other group grasped virtual balls during 4 weekly sessions.
The findings demonstrate a statistically significant reduction in nicotine addiction among the smokers in the cigarette-crushing group versus those in the ball-grasping group.
Also, at week 12 of the program, the smoking abstinence rate was significantly higher for the cigarette-crushing group (15 percent) compared to the ball-grasping group (2 percent).
Other notable findings include the following: smokers who crushed virtual cigarettes tended to stay in the treatment program longer than the ball-grasping group. At the 6-month follow-up, 39 percent of the cigarette crushers reported not smoking during the previous week, compared to 20 percent of the ball graspers.
The study has been described in the current issue of CyberPsychology and Behaviour, a peer-reviewed journal published by Mary Ann Liebert, Inc. (ANI)
пятница, 23 октября 2009 г.
Tobacco Law delayed again
Caymanian smokers can rest easy. The anti tobacco law is going to miss yet another deadline.
Required regulations will not be ready to meet the 30 October deadline to fully implement the Tobacco Law, making it the second delay since the law was passed one year ago.
Government missed a deadline of 31 May, which was set by the previous government, to coincide with World No Tobacco Day.
Just 11 days prior to the 31 May deadline a new Government was voted in and Mark Scotland took the helm as Health Minister.
Despite the fact that there was a 60day consultation period, a Chamber of Commerce luncheon and other forums seeking input on the Tobacco Law, Mr. Scotland said the regulations just aren’t ready.
“I have seen the draft of the regulations and it is all marked up with corrections or revisions,” said Mr. Scotland. “So it is a small delay, probably the end of November or December.”
Director of the Cancer Society Christine Sanders said another delay in implementing the Tobacco law is not good for Cayman.
“The delay means that more people will be put at risk for developing cancer as a result of second hand smoke exposure,” said Ms Sanders.
The only part of the Tobacco law that has been implemented is a ban on selling tobacco to minors, which came into effect on 1 May, coinciding with the start of Child Month in the Cayman Islands.
Even without legislation in place, many restaurants and bars have implemented non–smoking policies indoors with some establishments going completely smoke–free.
“That is the trend,” said Ms Sanders.
Once the regulations are in effect, the law will ban smoking in bars, restaurants and places of collective use.
But smoking outdoors will still be permitted at least 10 feet away from the entrance to buildings.
Cigar bars are exempted but they will be required to install smoke extractors or ventilators within 12 months of the regulations being implemented.
The delay in introducing the Tobacco Law comes when countries around the world and throughout the Caribbean have introduced smoking bans.
Bermuda began enforcing a smoking ban in October 2006. Puerto Rico went further in March 2007 extending the ban on smoking in confined places including private cars with children younger than 13 inside. The British Virgin Islands followed suit in mid–2007 with a ban on smoking in all confined places.
Cuba has banned smoking in most work places, cigarette machines have been removed and it has been illegal to sell tobacco products close to schools since February 2005.
Required regulations will not be ready to meet the 30 October deadline to fully implement the Tobacco Law, making it the second delay since the law was passed one year ago.
Government missed a deadline of 31 May, which was set by the previous government, to coincide with World No Tobacco Day.
Just 11 days prior to the 31 May deadline a new Government was voted in and Mark Scotland took the helm as Health Minister.
Despite the fact that there was a 60day consultation period, a Chamber of Commerce luncheon and other forums seeking input on the Tobacco Law, Mr. Scotland said the regulations just aren’t ready.
“I have seen the draft of the regulations and it is all marked up with corrections or revisions,” said Mr. Scotland. “So it is a small delay, probably the end of November or December.”
Director of the Cancer Society Christine Sanders said another delay in implementing the Tobacco law is not good for Cayman.
“The delay means that more people will be put at risk for developing cancer as a result of second hand smoke exposure,” said Ms Sanders.
The only part of the Tobacco law that has been implemented is a ban on selling tobacco to minors, which came into effect on 1 May, coinciding with the start of Child Month in the Cayman Islands.
Even without legislation in place, many restaurants and bars have implemented non–smoking policies indoors with some establishments going completely smoke–free.
“That is the trend,” said Ms Sanders.
Once the regulations are in effect, the law will ban smoking in bars, restaurants and places of collective use.
But smoking outdoors will still be permitted at least 10 feet away from the entrance to buildings.
Cigar bars are exempted but they will be required to install smoke extractors or ventilators within 12 months of the regulations being implemented.
The delay in introducing the Tobacco Law comes when countries around the world and throughout the Caribbean have introduced smoking bans.
Bermuda began enforcing a smoking ban in October 2006. Puerto Rico went further in March 2007 extending the ban on smoking in confined places including private cars with children younger than 13 inside. The British Virgin Islands followed suit in mid–2007 with a ban on smoking in all confined places.
Cuba has banned smoking in most work places, cigarette machines have been removed and it has been illegal to sell tobacco products close to schools since February 2005.
четверг, 22 октября 2009 г.
Parolee charged in South Loop attack over cigarettes, again
A recent prison parolee -- convicted last year of beating up a couple who refused to give him a cigarette -- was charged again Wednesday after allegedly threatening a woman in the South Loop who refused to give him a smoke.
Derrick King, 47, is charged with a misdemeanor count of assault and was being held on a warrant for violation of probation, according to police News Affairs.King approached a 49-year-old woman about 3:20 a.m. near a store in the 500 block of West Roosevelt Road and asked her for a cigarette, police said. When she declined, King said, “Remember the couple who got beat up real bad for not giving a cigarette, that was me!” He then allegedly charged towards the woman, police said.
The woman was able to flag down Central District police officers who were patrolling the area and King was taken into custody, police said.
King was convicted last year of strong-armed robbery for an Aug. 25, 2008, attack of a couple in their 30s near a South Loop store. He and a woman, Joyce Burgess, confronted the pair and Burgess asked for a cigarette. The female victim, Jen Hall, said "go get a job," a police source said.
A fight ensued and King grabbed Hall, throwing her to the ground, beating her in the head and knocking out most of her upper teeth, according to police.
King, 47, formerly of the Pacific Garden Mission at 1458 S. Canal, and Burgess, 38, were charged with strong-armed robbery in the Aug. 25, 2008, attack, according to police, who said they stole a Blackberry. King was also charged with aggravated battery.
King, who was sentenced to three years in prison, was paroled on Tuesday, according to an Illinois Dept. of Corrections database.
Derrick King, 47, is charged with a misdemeanor count of assault and was being held on a warrant for violation of probation, according to police News Affairs.King approached a 49-year-old woman about 3:20 a.m. near a store in the 500 block of West Roosevelt Road and asked her for a cigarette, police said. When she declined, King said, “Remember the couple who got beat up real bad for not giving a cigarette, that was me!” He then allegedly charged towards the woman, police said.
The woman was able to flag down Central District police officers who were patrolling the area and King was taken into custody, police said.
King was convicted last year of strong-armed robbery for an Aug. 25, 2008, attack of a couple in their 30s near a South Loop store. He and a woman, Joyce Burgess, confronted the pair and Burgess asked for a cigarette. The female victim, Jen Hall, said "go get a job," a police source said.
A fight ensued and King grabbed Hall, throwing her to the ground, beating her in the head and knocking out most of her upper teeth, according to police.
King, 47, formerly of the Pacific Garden Mission at 1458 S. Canal, and Burgess, 38, were charged with strong-armed robbery in the Aug. 25, 2008, attack, according to police, who said they stole a Blackberry. King was also charged with aggravated battery.
King, who was sentenced to three years in prison, was paroled on Tuesday, according to an Illinois Dept. of Corrections database.
пятница, 16 октября 2009 г.
Authorities release image of suspect in Cambridge City robbery
The Wayne County Sheriff’s Department released a photo this morning of a man wearing a blue surgical mask who robbed a gas station at gunpoint Sunday morning near Cambridge City.
“The suspect approached the counter and acted like he was going to buy a Mountain Dew and two packs of Marlboro cigarettes,” Chief Deputy Jeff Cappa said in a release issued this morning.
After the clerk scanned the items into the register, the suspect pulled a small handgun and demanded money from the register. The clerk complied with the demands, and the suspect fled the store with an undisclosed amount of money, Cappa said.
The robbery took place at 2:20 a.m. Sunday at Gas America, 1589 Indiana 1 N.
The suspect is described as about 5 feet, 9 inches tall with a medium build. He wore a gray hooded jacket, black gloves, blue jeans and white shoes.
The sheriff’s department immediately secured the scene and processed evidence, including video surveillance.
“The suspect approached the counter and acted like he was going to buy a Mountain Dew and two packs of Marlboro cigarettes,” Chief Deputy Jeff Cappa said in a release issued this morning.
After the clerk scanned the items into the register, the suspect pulled a small handgun and demanded money from the register. The clerk complied with the demands, and the suspect fled the store with an undisclosed amount of money, Cappa said.
The robbery took place at 2:20 a.m. Sunday at Gas America, 1589 Indiana 1 N.
The suspect is described as about 5 feet, 9 inches tall with a medium build. He wore a gray hooded jacket, black gloves, blue jeans and white shoes.
The sheriff’s department immediately secured the scene and processed evidence, including video surveillance.
вторник, 13 октября 2009 г.
Firms fighting cig tax
A Mississippi cigarette distribution company and a Kentucky manufacturer want to nix a state law that taxes their cigarettes sold out of state.
In a complaint filed in Hinds County Chancery Court against the State Tax Commission, The Corr-Williams Co. and Commonwealth Brands Inc. said the 1 1/4-cent-per-cigarette fee on smokes sold out of state violates the U.S. Constitution by unfairly taxing interstate commerce.
The companies are not challenging taxes collected on cigarettes sold in state.
The tax in question - which equates to about 20 cents a pack - went into affect in July and applies to manufacturers not included in the state's 1997 tobacco settlement.
Last month, the state billed 20 manufacturers $537,499, said Kathy Waterbury, a spokeswoman for the State Tax Commission. Those first payments are due Thursday.
In the complaint, the companies ask the state be prevented from collecting the fee.
Because it is pending litigation, Waterbury would not answer questions about the lawsuit.
Roy Wilkey, an attorney for Commonwealth, did not return calls seeking comment.
In its complaint, the Bowling Green, Ky.-based company alleges it's being taxed twice on cigarettes distributed through the state.
Commonwealth was not sued by the state and is not a part of Mississippi's tobacco tax settlement. The company voluntarily joined a settlement agreement with 46 other states, a group that does not include Mississippi.
In the agreement with other states, Commonwealth pays taxes based - in part - on all of its sales, including those in Mississippi.
In May, Philip Morris' parent company, Altria Group, wanted to see smaller companies taxed, an effort to level the playing field between big tobacco and its lesser-known competitors.
In June, Gov. Haley Barbour said it would be fair to add a tax to smaller companies not included in the state's tobacco settlement.
Before becoming governor, Barbour was a Washington lobbyist for premium brand cigarettes.
Commonwealth said that 80 percent of its cigarettes distributed through Mississippi are destined for other states.
Steve Carmody, attorney for Corr-Williams, said so far the tax has had little affect on sales, but the potential to affect them is great.
The Corr-Williams Co., which is based in Pearl, has warehouses in Columbia and Natchez and distributes tobacco and grocery products in Mississippi and Louisiana.
Senate Finance Committee Chairman Dean Kirby, R-Pearl, said he will check with attorneys at the Capitol to see what other states have done.
In a complaint filed in Hinds County Chancery Court against the State Tax Commission, The Corr-Williams Co. and Commonwealth Brands Inc. said the 1 1/4-cent-per-cigarette fee on smokes sold out of state violates the U.S. Constitution by unfairly taxing interstate commerce.
The companies are not challenging taxes collected on cigarettes sold in state.
The tax in question - which equates to about 20 cents a pack - went into affect in July and applies to manufacturers not included in the state's 1997 tobacco settlement.
Last month, the state billed 20 manufacturers $537,499, said Kathy Waterbury, a spokeswoman for the State Tax Commission. Those first payments are due Thursday.
In the complaint, the companies ask the state be prevented from collecting the fee.
Because it is pending litigation, Waterbury would not answer questions about the lawsuit.
Roy Wilkey, an attorney for Commonwealth, did not return calls seeking comment.
In its complaint, the Bowling Green, Ky.-based company alleges it's being taxed twice on cigarettes distributed through the state.
Commonwealth was not sued by the state and is not a part of Mississippi's tobacco tax settlement. The company voluntarily joined a settlement agreement with 46 other states, a group that does not include Mississippi.
In the agreement with other states, Commonwealth pays taxes based - in part - on all of its sales, including those in Mississippi.
In May, Philip Morris' parent company, Altria Group, wanted to see smaller companies taxed, an effort to level the playing field between big tobacco and its lesser-known competitors.
In June, Gov. Haley Barbour said it would be fair to add a tax to smaller companies not included in the state's tobacco settlement.
Before becoming governor, Barbour was a Washington lobbyist for premium brand cigarettes.
Commonwealth said that 80 percent of its cigarettes distributed through Mississippi are destined for other states.
Steve Carmody, attorney for Corr-Williams, said so far the tax has had little affect on sales, but the potential to affect them is great.
The Corr-Williams Co., which is based in Pearl, has warehouses in Columbia and Natchez and distributes tobacco and grocery products in Mississippi and Louisiana.
Senate Finance Committee Chairman Dean Kirby, R-Pearl, said he will check with attorneys at the Capitol to see what other states have done.
пятница, 9 октября 2009 г.
Canada bans fruit-flavored cigarettes
VANCOUVER, British Columbia (Reuters) - Canada has banned the manufacture, importation and sale of most flavored cigarettes and small cigars, which have been slammed as little more than an enticement to get children to start smoking.
The law, which came into effect on Thursday, was backed by both government and opposition lawmakers. It also bans tobacco advertising in newspapers and magazines, closing a loophole that had allowed ads in publications that claimed they were read only by adults.
Anti-smoking groups said fruit-flavored cigarettes were marketed like candy to lure young smokers, but the industry complained the law was too broad and would unfairly restrict importation of U.S.-grown burley tobacco.
Lawmakers in U.S. tobacco-growing states have complained the law will cost U.S. jobs, and a U.S. Senator has been blocking the appointment of a White House trade official in a bid to make the Obama administration put pressure on Canada.
Anti-smoking groups say the jobs complaint is unfounded since Canada did not import any U.S.-grown burley tobacco in 2007 and 2008, and "American-style" cigarettes make up less than 1 percent of the Canadian market.
"The trade argument was invented out of thin air," said Rob Cunningham of the Canadian Cancer Society.
The Canadian ban is more sweeping than one imposed last month by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration because it also includes small cigars. Nether ban includes menthol-flavored cigarettes.
The law, which came into effect on Thursday, was backed by both government and opposition lawmakers. It also bans tobacco advertising in newspapers and magazines, closing a loophole that had allowed ads in publications that claimed they were read only by adults.
Anti-smoking groups said fruit-flavored cigarettes were marketed like candy to lure young smokers, but the industry complained the law was too broad and would unfairly restrict importation of U.S.-grown burley tobacco.
Lawmakers in U.S. tobacco-growing states have complained the law will cost U.S. jobs, and a U.S. Senator has been blocking the appointment of a White House trade official in a bid to make the Obama administration put pressure on Canada.
Anti-smoking groups say the jobs complaint is unfounded since Canada did not import any U.S.-grown burley tobacco in 2007 and 2008, and "American-style" cigarettes make up less than 1 percent of the Canadian market.
"The trade argument was invented out of thin air," said Rob Cunningham of the Canadian Cancer Society.
The Canadian ban is more sweeping than one imposed last month by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration because it also includes small cigars. Nether ban includes menthol-flavored cigarettes.
среда, 7 октября 2009 г.
Md. Thief Gives New Meaning to Chain-Smoking
One man, one bag, one mission: to repeatedly steal Newport cigarettes from the same Capitol Heights 7-Eleven.
Such is the latest crime wave to hit Prince George's County, or at least one 7-Eleven in the 7400 block of Central Avenue. Since June, police say, one man has hit the convenience store six times, and in each case, he has looked no farther than the smokes.
On Tuesday, police released a surveillance photograph of the man and detailed his methods. In each incident, police said, he waits until customers have left the store and jumps over the counter. He grabs cigarettes, filling his white bag to the brim before fleeing, possibly in a silver Ford sedan, according to police and a store employee.
Newports are his preference, but if there aren't enough to fill his bag, he'll also take Marlboros, Kools and cigars, said a store employee who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to talk to reporters about the case. The employee said the thefts are so frequent that it seems as if the man is there every week. At times, he has been.
The thief first struck at 2 a.m. June 12, then a week later, at 4:21 a.m. June 19, said Officer Larry Johnson, a spokesman for the Prince George's police. He seemed to take the rest of the summer off -- not striking again until Sept. 6 -- but he has been a fixture at the convenience store since then, Johnson said. He stole cigarettes Sept. 12, Sept. 25 and Oct. 1, the most recent theft.
Police said no one has been harmed, and the man has only talked of having a gun. He never wears a mask, and investigators say he might be casing the store before each theft.
"It's obvious this guy knows who's going to be in there, when they're going to be in there, what he can do," Johnson said.
Johnson said police are checking on the store periodically, and they've advised employees there to vary their routines to throw off the suspect. He described the suspect as male, about 40 years old, standing 5-foot-5 and weighing 180 pounds.
Such is the latest crime wave to hit Prince George's County, or at least one 7-Eleven in the 7400 block of Central Avenue. Since June, police say, one man has hit the convenience store six times, and in each case, he has looked no farther than the smokes.
On Tuesday, police released a surveillance photograph of the man and detailed his methods. In each incident, police said, he waits until customers have left the store and jumps over the counter. He grabs cigarettes, filling his white bag to the brim before fleeing, possibly in a silver Ford sedan, according to police and a store employee.
Newports are his preference, but if there aren't enough to fill his bag, he'll also take Marlboros, Kools and cigars, said a store employee who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to talk to reporters about the case. The employee said the thefts are so frequent that it seems as if the man is there every week. At times, he has been.
The thief first struck at 2 a.m. June 12, then a week later, at 4:21 a.m. June 19, said Officer Larry Johnson, a spokesman for the Prince George's police. He seemed to take the rest of the summer off -- not striking again until Sept. 6 -- but he has been a fixture at the convenience store since then, Johnson said. He stole cigarettes Sept. 12, Sept. 25 and Oct. 1, the most recent theft.
Police said no one has been harmed, and the man has only talked of having a gun. He never wears a mask, and investigators say he might be casing the store before each theft.
"It's obvious this guy knows who's going to be in there, when they're going to be in there, what he can do," Johnson said.
Johnson said police are checking on the store periodically, and they've advised employees there to vary their routines to throw off the suspect. He described the suspect as male, about 40 years old, standing 5-foot-5 and weighing 180 pounds.
понедельник, 5 октября 2009 г.
Cigarette giant fights ban on advertisingin shops
PHILIP Morris, the world's largest cigarette firm, will lodge a High Court challenge tomorrow morning to contest the Government's ban on tobacco advertising in shops.
The US company, which has about 10pc of the Irish market through the sale of Marlboro cigarettes, will lodge the case together with Donegal newsagent Maurice Timony.
The tobacco company will pay all the costs of the case, which is being argued in court by barrister Eoin McCullough.
Philip Morris will argue that the ban on displaying cigarettes in shops is unconstitutional and violates the right to earn a livelihood, the right to engage in commerce and the right to compete against rivals. Other complaints include an alleged infringement on the right to free commercial speech and a restriction to the free movement of goods within the European Union (EU).
""It's just to protect our ability to show our product in stores," Philip Morris spokesman Peter Nixon said. "We are not seeking changes to the law prohibiting smoking in public places or that prohibit tobacco advertising."
Philip Morris, which has a relatively small share of the Irish market, argues that the ban on display advertising prevents the Marlboro brand from gaining market share.
The company also argues that a similar ban in Iceland and some parts of Canada has not worked but there is no independent research on the matter.
Ireland leads most European countries when it comes to clamping down on smoking. The ban on smoking in public places here was the first to be implemented in the EU and is among the most draconian.
Deterrent
Tobacco prices, one of the biggest proven deterrents to smoking, are among the highest in the EU. However, this also encourages smuggling. Tobacco companies have said that up to 30pc of cigarettes smoked in the State are either contraband or counterfeit. Government figures suggest the figure is somewhere between 20pc and 25pc.
Germany's constitutional court struck down a smoking ban last year because it feared that small bars were at a disadvantage because they could not provide separate smoking areas.
The US company, which has about 10pc of the Irish market through the sale of Marlboro cigarettes, will lodge the case together with Donegal newsagent Maurice Timony.
The tobacco company will pay all the costs of the case, which is being argued in court by barrister Eoin McCullough.
Philip Morris will argue that the ban on displaying cigarettes in shops is unconstitutional and violates the right to earn a livelihood, the right to engage in commerce and the right to compete against rivals. Other complaints include an alleged infringement on the right to free commercial speech and a restriction to the free movement of goods within the European Union (EU).
""It's just to protect our ability to show our product in stores," Philip Morris spokesman Peter Nixon said. "We are not seeking changes to the law prohibiting smoking in public places or that prohibit tobacco advertising."
Philip Morris, which has a relatively small share of the Irish market, argues that the ban on display advertising prevents the Marlboro brand from gaining market share.
The company also argues that a similar ban in Iceland and some parts of Canada has not worked but there is no independent research on the matter.
Ireland leads most European countries when it comes to clamping down on smoking. The ban on smoking in public places here was the first to be implemented in the EU and is among the most draconian.
Deterrent
Tobacco prices, one of the biggest proven deterrents to smoking, are among the highest in the EU. However, this also encourages smuggling. Tobacco companies have said that up to 30pc of cigarettes smoked in the State are either contraband or counterfeit. Government figures suggest the figure is somewhere between 20pc and 25pc.
Germany's constitutional court struck down a smoking ban last year because it feared that small bars were at a disadvantage because they could not provide separate smoking areas.
четверг, 1 октября 2009 г.
CCSC first-year debates: much ado about smoking
“Why are you wearing flip-flops?” Elections Board chair James Bogner, CC ’10, quizzed first-year council candidate Emilio Santiago.
“Uh, because I have a Hawaiian shirt on?” Let’s Party member Santiago responded.
Columbia College Student Council first-year elections opened Tuesday morning, but last night prospective members from the six parties debated policy and practicality in Roone Arledge cinema in a debate that honed in on prospective smoking bans and community building—though less so on candidates sartorial decisions.
With the major CCSC policy question of the day about the future of a proposed on-campus smoking ban, candidates weighed in on possible next steps.
Laila Sultana, presidential candidate for the Blue Union Party, noted that she was personally allergic to the smoke and believed that as a learning environment, the campus should be healthy for all students.
Other parties commented that regardless of their own personal feelings on the possible campus smoking ban—most who shared their opinions came out against it—the council needs to increase outreach to better gauge student opinion.
Still, most parties acknowledged that previous student polling regarding the ban had seemed flawed and incomplete, and that the council may need to look past traditional surveying techniques.
At Sunday night’s CCSC meeting, some members questioned the concept and effectiveness of campus polling.
Bogner called back to the third-party polling conducted among students last fall at the height of debate over whether NROTC should be introduced on campus, a survey that ultimately came back inconclusive.
“Polls usually never work, that’s what we’re hearing,” Tara Reed, presidential candidate for the Lion’s Initiative, said. She suggested reallocating that money to alternative ways of gathering opinion in a more “grassroots” method—perhaps approaching more people individually or in different settings.
“Knocking on people’s doors isn’t going to work,” presidential candidate for the Impact Party Alexander Jasiulek shot back. It would be, he said, an invasion of personal space—as well as just another form of polling, which Reed had suggested stepping away from.
For the Lion’s Initiative party, priorities are recovering study days for the exam reading week—a priority shared by the Karma Party—and pushing to open up Ferris Booth commons to meal plans, a change that an opposing candidate said seemed unlikely. The Impact Party said that they were interested in increasing transparency between the central administration and the students, as well as working to provide wireless internet in all campus dorms—possibly the most unattainable goal suggested at the debate, Bogner commented when asked about its feasibility.
The Let’s Party spoke of the need for a more efficient student registration system for the school, and said they wanted to further green initiatives like cutting down on campus fliering—though an audience member retorted that he had seen at least five fliers for their party alone in an elevator that day.
Sultana said her Blue Union party would like to see more interaction between the CCSC and students, and presidential candidate for the Columbia University Activists party Jonathan Trujillo remarked that improving campus hygiene, particularly in the bathrooms, was high on his list and seemed a feasible goal.
For Eleanor Stein’s one-person, borderline unpronounceable Hiphopopotamus party, Stein, who is running for representative, said she thought the class of 2013 would benefit from more freshmen-only programming, and hoped it could put her on her way to recognizing most faces on campus.
“There really hasn’t been a lot of overlap—that means there’s a lot of stuff to be worked on,” Bogner said.
He also encouraged the candidates to push their fellow students to vote.
“This is important because right now, in the write-in votes, Jesus is really doing well,” he warned.
“Uh, because I have a Hawaiian shirt on?” Let’s Party member Santiago responded.
Columbia College Student Council first-year elections opened Tuesday morning, but last night prospective members from the six parties debated policy and practicality in Roone Arledge cinema in a debate that honed in on prospective smoking bans and community building—though less so on candidates sartorial decisions.
With the major CCSC policy question of the day about the future of a proposed on-campus smoking ban, candidates weighed in on possible next steps.
Laila Sultana, presidential candidate for the Blue Union Party, noted that she was personally allergic to the smoke and believed that as a learning environment, the campus should be healthy for all students.
Other parties commented that regardless of their own personal feelings on the possible campus smoking ban—most who shared their opinions came out against it—the council needs to increase outreach to better gauge student opinion.
Still, most parties acknowledged that previous student polling regarding the ban had seemed flawed and incomplete, and that the council may need to look past traditional surveying techniques.
At Sunday night’s CCSC meeting, some members questioned the concept and effectiveness of campus polling.
Bogner called back to the third-party polling conducted among students last fall at the height of debate over whether NROTC should be introduced on campus, a survey that ultimately came back inconclusive.
“Polls usually never work, that’s what we’re hearing,” Tara Reed, presidential candidate for the Lion’s Initiative, said. She suggested reallocating that money to alternative ways of gathering opinion in a more “grassroots” method—perhaps approaching more people individually or in different settings.
“Knocking on people’s doors isn’t going to work,” presidential candidate for the Impact Party Alexander Jasiulek shot back. It would be, he said, an invasion of personal space—as well as just another form of polling, which Reed had suggested stepping away from.
For the Lion’s Initiative party, priorities are recovering study days for the exam reading week—a priority shared by the Karma Party—and pushing to open up Ferris Booth commons to meal plans, a change that an opposing candidate said seemed unlikely. The Impact Party said that they were interested in increasing transparency between the central administration and the students, as well as working to provide wireless internet in all campus dorms—possibly the most unattainable goal suggested at the debate, Bogner commented when asked about its feasibility.
The Let’s Party spoke of the need for a more efficient student registration system for the school, and said they wanted to further green initiatives like cutting down on campus fliering—though an audience member retorted that he had seen at least five fliers for their party alone in an elevator that day.
Sultana said her Blue Union party would like to see more interaction between the CCSC and students, and presidential candidate for the Columbia University Activists party Jonathan Trujillo remarked that improving campus hygiene, particularly in the bathrooms, was high on his list and seemed a feasible goal.
For Eleanor Stein’s one-person, borderline unpronounceable Hiphopopotamus party, Stein, who is running for representative, said she thought the class of 2013 would benefit from more freshmen-only programming, and hoped it could put her on her way to recognizing most faces on campus.
“There really hasn’t been a lot of overlap—that means there’s a lot of stuff to be worked on,” Bogner said.
He also encouraged the candidates to push their fellow students to vote.
“This is important because right now, in the write-in votes, Jesus is really doing well,” he warned.
вторник, 29 сентября 2009 г.
A window on carefree days
For several days now, I've been studying an old snapshot that's brand new to me. The image is of four childhood friends and me with baseball gloves, a bat and ball.
We're all smiling broadly, arms over shoulders, bright sunshine on our faces. I can tell it's springtime by the short sleeves, bare legs, green and brown grass and a tree with no leaves.
It has to be 1967 or '68. We're posing in the yard between my house in Albemarle -- the parsonage for West Albemarle Baptist Church on Mill Street -- and the Stevens' house next door. I'm in the middle with Jeffery and Johnny Stevens on one side and Richard and Sidney James on the other.
I played often with all those kids. Sidney James taught me how to ride a bicycle and shoot a basketball. Jeffery Stevens taught me pretty much everything else.
Jeff and I were the same age and inseparable from about age 3. Raised by a single mom who worked long hours at the textile mill, he enjoyed a certain level of freedom most kids didn't.
When I sat down to lunch or dinner, Jeff was waiting outside more often than not, thoughtfully planning our next adventure. He made it his mission to expose me to a world beyond the otherwise sheltered existence of a preacher's kid.
Jeff showed me important things like how to smoke cigarettes, how to make a match burn twice and how to draw honey from a honeysuckle bloom.
At his suggestion, we pricked our fingers and became "blood brothers."
It's hard to believe that everyone in that photograph is somewhere near 50 now -- except for Jeff, who died when we were 10. That's still hard to believe, too.
The way Jeff died -- he choked to death recovering from minor surgery -- will never make sense. If he'd been killed falling out of a tree or crashing his bicycle or any number of other things kids do, it might have been easier to comprehend.
Looking back, it's as if Jeff somehow knew he didn't have a lot of time, so he packed in as many experiences and as much fun as he could.
If you look closely at that photograph, it's easy to spot Jeff's bold passion for life. He's the only one without shoes and socks, his skin is a shade more tanned and his knees are dirty.
The little out building we're standing behind is still there. My three daughters played around it last Sunday during the first church homecoming I've attended there in about 15 years.
A letter and a photograph
My family moved to Tennessee not long after that snapshot was made, and I brought along to the homecoming a letter Jeff wrote to me about a year before he died.
I gave the letter to one of his sisters on Sunday. Two days later I was exchanging e-mails with Johnny from my desk at the newspaper.
"Your brother and all the things we did around that patch of grass between the church and your old house are still with me," I wrote.
"Look what I found!" Johnny wrote back with the photograph attached.
It's just a fuzzy picture of some happy kids, but it took my breath away and made me cry. What a priceless window into the countless carefree days we shared back on Mill Street.
They didn't get much more work out of me that day.
We're all smiling broadly, arms over shoulders, bright sunshine on our faces. I can tell it's springtime by the short sleeves, bare legs, green and brown grass and a tree with no leaves.
It has to be 1967 or '68. We're posing in the yard between my house in Albemarle -- the parsonage for West Albemarle Baptist Church on Mill Street -- and the Stevens' house next door. I'm in the middle with Jeffery and Johnny Stevens on one side and Richard and Sidney James on the other.
I played often with all those kids. Sidney James taught me how to ride a bicycle and shoot a basketball. Jeffery Stevens taught me pretty much everything else.
Jeff and I were the same age and inseparable from about age 3. Raised by a single mom who worked long hours at the textile mill, he enjoyed a certain level of freedom most kids didn't.
When I sat down to lunch or dinner, Jeff was waiting outside more often than not, thoughtfully planning our next adventure. He made it his mission to expose me to a world beyond the otherwise sheltered existence of a preacher's kid.
Jeff showed me important things like how to smoke cigarettes, how to make a match burn twice and how to draw honey from a honeysuckle bloom.
At his suggestion, we pricked our fingers and became "blood brothers."
It's hard to believe that everyone in that photograph is somewhere near 50 now -- except for Jeff, who died when we were 10. That's still hard to believe, too.
The way Jeff died -- he choked to death recovering from minor surgery -- will never make sense. If he'd been killed falling out of a tree or crashing his bicycle or any number of other things kids do, it might have been easier to comprehend.
Looking back, it's as if Jeff somehow knew he didn't have a lot of time, so he packed in as many experiences and as much fun as he could.
If you look closely at that photograph, it's easy to spot Jeff's bold passion for life. He's the only one without shoes and socks, his skin is a shade more tanned and his knees are dirty.
The little out building we're standing behind is still there. My three daughters played around it last Sunday during the first church homecoming I've attended there in about 15 years.
A letter and a photograph
My family moved to Tennessee not long after that snapshot was made, and I brought along to the homecoming a letter Jeff wrote to me about a year before he died.
I gave the letter to one of his sisters on Sunday. Two days later I was exchanging e-mails with Johnny from my desk at the newspaper.
"Your brother and all the things we did around that patch of grass between the church and your old house are still with me," I wrote.
"Look what I found!" Johnny wrote back with the photograph attached.
It's just a fuzzy picture of some happy kids, but it took my breath away and made me cry. What a priceless window into the countless carefree days we shared back on Mill Street.
They didn't get much more work out of me that day.
пятница, 25 сентября 2009 г.
Criminalizing Smoking Is Not the Answer: Bans on Cloves and Outdoor Smoking Will Backfire!
The war on cigarettes is heating up. This week a new federal ban went into effect making flavored cigarettes and cloves illegal. The new regulation halted the sale of vanilla and chocolate cigarettes that anti-smoking advocates claim lure young people into smoking. This ban is the first major crackdown since Congress passed a law in June giving the Food and Drug Administration the authority to regulate tobacco. There is already talk of banning Menthol cigarettes next.
Meanwhile, another major initiative to limit smoking wafted out of New York City last week. A report to Mayor Michael Bloomberg from the city's Health Commissioner called for a smoking ban at city parks and beaches to help protect citizens from the harms of second hand smoke. To his credit, Bloomberg rejected this measure citing concern over stretched city and police resources.
While I support many restrictions on public smoking, such as at restaurants and workplaces, and I appreciate public education campaigns and efforts aimed at discouraging young people from smoking, I believe the outdoor smoking ban and prohibition of cloves and possibly Menthols will lead to harmful and unintended consequences. All we have to do is look at the criminalization of other drugs, such as marijuana, to see some of the potential pitfalls and tragedies.
Cities across the country - from New York to Santa Cruz, California - are considering or have already banned smoking at parks and beaches. I am afraid that issuing tickets to people for smoking outdoors could easily be abused by overzealous law enforcement.
Let's look at how New York handles another "decriminalized" drug in our state, marijuana. Despite decriminalizing marijuana more than 30 years ago, New York is the marijuana arrest capital of the world. If possession of marijuana is supposed to be decriminalized in New York, how does this happen? Often it's because, in the course of interacting with the police, individuals are asked to empty their pockets, which results in the pot being "open to public view" - which is, technically, a crime.
More than 40,000 people were arrested in New York City last year for marijuana possession, and 87 percent of those arrested were black or Latino, despite equal rates of marijuana use among whites. The fact is that blacks and Latinos are arrested for pot at much higher rates in part because officers make stop-and-frisk searches disproportionately in black, Latino and low-income neighborhoods.
Unfortunately, when we make laws and place restrictions on both legal and illegal drugs, people of color are usually the ones busted. Drug use may not discriminate, but our drug policies and enforcement do.
Now let's look at the prohibition of cloves and other flavored cigarettes. When we prohibit certain drugs, it doesn't mean that the drugs go away and people don't use them; it just means that people get their drugs from the black market instead of a store or deli. We've been waging a war on marijuana and other drugs for decades, but you can still find marijuana and your drug of choice in most neighborhoods and cities in this country.
For many people, cloves or Menthols are their smoke of choice. I have no doubt that someone is going to step in to meet this demand. What do we propose doing to the people who are caught selling illegal cigarettes on the street? Are cops going to have to expend limited resources to enforce this ban? Are we going to arrest and lock up people who are selling the illegal cigarettes? Prisons are already bursting at the seams (thanks to the drug laws) in states across the country. Are we going to waste more taxpayer money on incarceration?
The prohibition of flavored cigarettes also moves us another step closer to total cigarette prohibition. But with all the good intentions in the world, outlawing cigarettes would be just as disastrous as the prohibition of other drugs. After all, people would still smoke, just as they still use other drugs that are prohibited, from marijuana to cocaine. But now, in addition to the harm of smoking, we would find a whole range of "collateral consequences," such as black market-related violence, that crop up with prohibition.
Although we should celebrate our success curbing cigarette smoking and continue to encourage people to cut back or give up cigarettes, let's not get carried away and think that criminalizing smoking is the answer.
We need to realize that drugs, from cigarettes to marijuana to alcohol, will always be consumed, whether they are legal or illegal. Although drugs have health consequences and dangers, making them illegal -- and keeping them illegal -- will only bring additional death and suffering.
Meanwhile, another major initiative to limit smoking wafted out of New York City last week. A report to Mayor Michael Bloomberg from the city's Health Commissioner called for a smoking ban at city parks and beaches to help protect citizens from the harms of second hand smoke. To his credit, Bloomberg rejected this measure citing concern over stretched city and police resources.
While I support many restrictions on public smoking, such as at restaurants and workplaces, and I appreciate public education campaigns and efforts aimed at discouraging young people from smoking, I believe the outdoor smoking ban and prohibition of cloves and possibly Menthols will lead to harmful and unintended consequences. All we have to do is look at the criminalization of other drugs, such as marijuana, to see some of the potential pitfalls and tragedies.
Cities across the country - from New York to Santa Cruz, California - are considering or have already banned smoking at parks and beaches. I am afraid that issuing tickets to people for smoking outdoors could easily be abused by overzealous law enforcement.
Let's look at how New York handles another "decriminalized" drug in our state, marijuana. Despite decriminalizing marijuana more than 30 years ago, New York is the marijuana arrest capital of the world. If possession of marijuana is supposed to be decriminalized in New York, how does this happen? Often it's because, in the course of interacting with the police, individuals are asked to empty their pockets, which results in the pot being "open to public view" - which is, technically, a crime.
More than 40,000 people were arrested in New York City last year for marijuana possession, and 87 percent of those arrested were black or Latino, despite equal rates of marijuana use among whites. The fact is that blacks and Latinos are arrested for pot at much higher rates in part because officers make stop-and-frisk searches disproportionately in black, Latino and low-income neighborhoods.
Unfortunately, when we make laws and place restrictions on both legal and illegal drugs, people of color are usually the ones busted. Drug use may not discriminate, but our drug policies and enforcement do.
Now let's look at the prohibition of cloves and other flavored cigarettes. When we prohibit certain drugs, it doesn't mean that the drugs go away and people don't use them; it just means that people get their drugs from the black market instead of a store or deli. We've been waging a war on marijuana and other drugs for decades, but you can still find marijuana and your drug of choice in most neighborhoods and cities in this country.
For many people, cloves or Menthols are their smoke of choice. I have no doubt that someone is going to step in to meet this demand. What do we propose doing to the people who are caught selling illegal cigarettes on the street? Are cops going to have to expend limited resources to enforce this ban? Are we going to arrest and lock up people who are selling the illegal cigarettes? Prisons are already bursting at the seams (thanks to the drug laws) in states across the country. Are we going to waste more taxpayer money on incarceration?
The prohibition of flavored cigarettes also moves us another step closer to total cigarette prohibition. But with all the good intentions in the world, outlawing cigarettes would be just as disastrous as the prohibition of other drugs. After all, people would still smoke, just as they still use other drugs that are prohibited, from marijuana to cocaine. But now, in addition to the harm of smoking, we would find a whole range of "collateral consequences," such as black market-related violence, that crop up with prohibition.
Although we should celebrate our success curbing cigarette smoking and continue to encourage people to cut back or give up cigarettes, let's not get carried away and think that criminalizing smoking is the answer.
We need to realize that drugs, from cigarettes to marijuana to alcohol, will always be consumed, whether they are legal or illegal. Although drugs have health consequences and dangers, making them illegal -- and keeping them illegal -- will only bring additional death and suffering.
среда, 23 сентября 2009 г.
Cops: Deli man dealt illegal cigs and videos
TRENTON — Cops raided a South Trenton deli and arrested store operator Anthony Azcona on allegations he was selling cigarettes without a license and pirated CDs and DVDs, police said.
Trenton’s Tactical Anti-Crime units and Quick Response Team officers stormed into the Los Primos II Deli off Centre Street and arrested the 27-year-old city man during the 8:35 p.m. search warrant operation Thursday, police said.
Cops charged Azcona with two counts of piracy and slapped him with three counts of selling cigarettes without being licensed because the suspect failed to produce a valid cigarette license or invoice for cigarettes, police said.
Cops had a field day in confiscating 232 pirated audio CDs and 54 pirated DVDs in addition to seizing $900 in cash and a large assortment of blunt cigars and blunt wrappers. Police said they also confiscated 16 packs of untaxed cigarettes that were unstamped and numerous packs of cigarettes that were stamped.
The execution of the search warrant was the result of a narcotic investigation that was in response to citizens’ complaints, police said.
Trenton’s Tactical Anti-Crime units and Quick Response Team officers stormed into the Los Primos II Deli off Centre Street and arrested the 27-year-old city man during the 8:35 p.m. search warrant operation Thursday, police said.
Cops charged Azcona with two counts of piracy and slapped him with three counts of selling cigarettes without being licensed because the suspect failed to produce a valid cigarette license or invoice for cigarettes, police said.
Cops had a field day in confiscating 232 pirated audio CDs and 54 pirated DVDs in addition to seizing $900 in cash and a large assortment of blunt cigars and blunt wrappers. Police said they also confiscated 16 packs of untaxed cigarettes that were unstamped and numerous packs of cigarettes that were stamped.
The execution of the search warrant was the result of a narcotic investigation that was in response to citizens’ complaints, police said.
Cops: Deli man dealt illegal cigs and videos
TRENTON — Cops raided a South Trenton deli and arrested store operator Anthony Azcona on allegations he was selling cigarettes without a license and pirated CDs and DVDs, police said.
Trenton’s Tactical Anti-Crime units and Quick Response Team officers stormed into the Los Primos II Deli off Centre Street and arrested the 27-year-old city man during the 8:35 p.m. search warrant operation Thursday, police said.
Cops charged Azcona with two counts of piracy and slapped him with three counts of selling cigarettes without being licensed because the suspect failed to produce a valid cigarette license or invoice for cigarettes, police said.
Cops had a field day in confiscating 232 pirated audio CDs and 54 pirated DVDs in addition to seizing $900 in cash and a large assortment of blunt cigars and blunt wrappers. Police said they also confiscated 16 packs of untaxed cigarettes that were unstamped and numerous packs of cigarettes that were stamped.
The execution of the search warrant was the result of a narcotic investigation that was in response to citizens’ complaints, police said.
Trenton’s Tactical Anti-Crime units and Quick Response Team officers stormed into the Los Primos II Deli off Centre Street and arrested the 27-year-old city man during the 8:35 p.m. search warrant operation Thursday, police said.
Cops charged Azcona with two counts of piracy and slapped him with three counts of selling cigarettes without being licensed because the suspect failed to produce a valid cigarette license or invoice for cigarettes, police said.
Cops had a field day in confiscating 232 pirated audio CDs and 54 pirated DVDs in addition to seizing $900 in cash and a large assortment of blunt cigars and blunt wrappers. Police said they also confiscated 16 packs of untaxed cigarettes that were unstamped and numerous packs of cigarettes that were stamped.
The execution of the search warrant was the result of a narcotic investigation that was in response to citizens’ complaints, police said.
понедельник, 21 сентября 2009 г.
Judge: HI man accused in fire must quit smoking
WAILUKU, Hawaii — A Maui judge has ordered a 19-year-old man who pleaded no contest to starting a restaurant fire with a flicked cigarette to stop smoking for a year.
Makaio Bachman-Majamay of Makawao was originally charged with third-degree arson for allegedly igniting the shake roof of the Wei Wei Bar-B-Q Restaurant in Pukalani in July 2008. A witnesses extinguished the blaze using buckets of water.
Deputy Public Defender William McGrath says his client didn't mean to set the fire.
Bachman-Majamay pleaded to a reduced charge of third-degree criminal property damage.
Second Circuit Judge Joel August ordered him to do community service and pay a $1,025 fine to fix the roof. He also told the teen not to use tobacco for a year.
"That means no cigarettes," August said. "Perhaps it will add about 10 or 15 years to his life if he stops smoking permanently."
Makaio Bachman-Majamay of Makawao was originally charged with third-degree arson for allegedly igniting the shake roof of the Wei Wei Bar-B-Q Restaurant in Pukalani in July 2008. A witnesses extinguished the blaze using buckets of water.
Deputy Public Defender William McGrath says his client didn't mean to set the fire.
Bachman-Majamay pleaded to a reduced charge of third-degree criminal property damage.
Second Circuit Judge Joel August ordered him to do community service and pay a $1,025 fine to fix the roof. He also told the teen not to use tobacco for a year.
"That means no cigarettes," August said. "Perhaps it will add about 10 or 15 years to his life if he stops smoking permanently."
четверг, 17 сентября 2009 г.
Good Samaritans prevent cigarette robbery
A few Good Samaritans stopped an armed perpetrator from stealing a carton of cigarettes from the Shell gas station on Broadway in Eureka late Wednesday morning, detaining the suspect for about five minutes until police officer arrived to take him into custody.
After using the bathroom at the gas station, the suspect allegedly grabbed a carton of Camel cigarettes -- worth around $45 -- from behind the cashier's counter and tried to flee on foot.
Eureka resident Sean Grimes said he was purchasing a Rockstar energy drink at the counter, when he saw the suspect run by.
”I saw him running next to me with the carton of cigarettes and I just kind of slammed into him,” Grimes said, adding that other customers then quickly came to his aid, and helped detain the suspect.
Sitting in handcuffs in the back of a Eureka Police Department cruiser, the suspect identified himself to the Times-Standard as Jacob Brauning, and claimed the good Samaritans hit him and threatened him while holding him until police arrived on scene.
When officers searched Brauning, they found what officer Ed Wilson described as a kind of home-made “Black Jack,” which appeared to be a wood handle secured to a metal spring with a lead ball attached at the end. Witnesses said Brauning did not brandish the weapon during the robbery attempt.
After using the bathroom at the gas station, the suspect allegedly grabbed a carton of Camel cigarettes -- worth around $45 -- from behind the cashier's counter and tried to flee on foot.
Eureka resident Sean Grimes said he was purchasing a Rockstar energy drink at the counter, when he saw the suspect run by.
”I saw him running next to me with the carton of cigarettes and I just kind of slammed into him,” Grimes said, adding that other customers then quickly came to his aid, and helped detain the suspect.
Sitting in handcuffs in the back of a Eureka Police Department cruiser, the suspect identified himself to the Times-Standard as Jacob Brauning, and claimed the good Samaritans hit him and threatened him while holding him until police arrived on scene.
When officers searched Brauning, they found what officer Ed Wilson described as a kind of home-made “Black Jack,” which appeared to be a wood handle secured to a metal spring with a lead ball attached at the end. Witnesses said Brauning did not brandish the weapon during the robbery attempt.
вторник, 15 сентября 2009 г.
Smoking area removed from Ball State's campus
Smokers on Ball State University's campus may have to walk a little farther before lighting up now that there is one less designated smoking area.An e-mail sent Tuesday announced that the smoking area between the Arts and Communications Building and Pruis Hall has been eliminated. Kay Bales, vice president for student affairs, said it was removed because smoke from the area was leaking into the first floor of the Arts and Communications Building.The smoking area had been established for about two weeks. Before that, it was located near the Emens Auditorium Parking Garage. Bales said it was moved from the original location because the university received "too many" complaints about the smoking area. Some students who have classes in the Arts and Communications Building are happy to see the smoking area removed. Senior Diana Kaiser said she is in the building "24/7" and that since the beginning of the Fall Semester she has noticed cigarette smoke concentrated in one hallway near the smoking area. "I kind of feel bad for smokers, but I think it's better this way," she said. But not all students share the same sentiments. Freshmen Bekah Gross and Marie Deveau, who live in Woodworth Commons, sat smoking cigarettes at the former designated area Tuesday evening, despite the policy change."People are going to smoke anyway," Gross said. "It's just going to make people break the rules more."Freshman Samuel Shafer said he smoked at the former location every day. "I smoked there before class and now it's gone," he said. "It's kinda inconvenient."Sophomore Paul Ingersoll said he used to frequent the former smoking area about three times each day because it was the most convenient location for him.
"I don't have time to go all the way over to the other areas," he said. "By the time you get to smoking area, you could have already smoked."
Bales said they took these concerns into consideration, but that "it's very difficult to find an area on that side of campus where there isn't a lot of foot-traffic."Ball State's smoke-free initiative has been in effect since March 17, 2008. There are now 11 designated smoking areas, including Scheumann Stadium's parking lot.
"I don't have time to go all the way over to the other areas," he said. "By the time you get to smoking area, you could have already smoked."
Bales said they took these concerns into consideration, but that "it's very difficult to find an area on that side of campus where there isn't a lot of foot-traffic."Ball State's smoke-free initiative has been in effect since March 17, 2008. There are now 11 designated smoking areas, including Scheumann Stadium's parking lot.
пятница, 11 сентября 2009 г.
Campus smoking ban eliminates student rights
Another smoking ban? Here we go again. Enough is enough. First came taxes, then came designated areas, and now here comes Bellarmine University with a smoking ban.
Nobody in their right mind denies the risks of smoking tobacco products. Smoking cigarettes undoubtedly causes lung cancer and other health problems. For this reason, I absolutely agree that this health risk should be combated with the full force of education.
In the same vein, secondhand smoke absolutely remains a considerable health risk for non-smokers. Given the risk of second-hand smoke, designated areas for smoking makes sense for the protection of non-smokers. But a campus-wide smoking ban is frankly ridiculous.
Are we supposed to believe that non-smokers do not have the sense to protect their own health by staying away from non-smoking areas? Do they have the sense to come out of the rain?
A campus-wide smoking ban takes a good idea and makes it oppressive. Smokers make up 25% of the population, which is the quarter of the American people whose rights no longer seem to be of any importance to the remaining 75% of our society*.
Already society regulates smokers to separate areas, and taxes them an arm and a leg for their cigarettes. Society has done enough to stop the effects of smoking. Now is the time to draw the line.
Smoking 15 feet away from the exits of all Bellarmine buildings does no one any harm except the smokers themselves.
When it comes to smokers' health as far as the University is concerned, if they are over 18 that is their business. To ban smoking from the entire campus implies the act of smoking is sinful.
Smoking cigarettes hurts health, but give me a break. We live in a society founded on the basis of individual rights.
The ability to smoke cigarettes is not a privilege it is a right. Citizens have the right to choose whether they want to smoke or not, and the University should not interfere so long as no innocents are hurt. The ban is excessive and I disagree with the University's decision to enact it.
Nobody in their right mind denies the risks of smoking tobacco products. Smoking cigarettes undoubtedly causes lung cancer and other health problems. For this reason, I absolutely agree that this health risk should be combated with the full force of education.
In the same vein, secondhand smoke absolutely remains a considerable health risk for non-smokers. Given the risk of second-hand smoke, designated areas for smoking makes sense for the protection of non-smokers. But a campus-wide smoking ban is frankly ridiculous.
Are we supposed to believe that non-smokers do not have the sense to protect their own health by staying away from non-smoking areas? Do they have the sense to come out of the rain?
A campus-wide smoking ban takes a good idea and makes it oppressive. Smokers make up 25% of the population, which is the quarter of the American people whose rights no longer seem to be of any importance to the remaining 75% of our society*.
Already society regulates smokers to separate areas, and taxes them an arm and a leg for their cigarettes. Society has done enough to stop the effects of smoking. Now is the time to draw the line.
Smoking 15 feet away from the exits of all Bellarmine buildings does no one any harm except the smokers themselves.
When it comes to smokers' health as far as the University is concerned, if they are over 18 that is their business. To ban smoking from the entire campus implies the act of smoking is sinful.
Smoking cigarettes hurts health, but give me a break. We live in a society founded on the basis of individual rights.
The ability to smoke cigarettes is not a privilege it is a right. Citizens have the right to choose whether they want to smoke or not, and the University should not interfere so long as no innocents are hurt. The ban is excessive and I disagree with the University's decision to enact it.
среда, 9 сентября 2009 г.
Cigarette Robbers Hit N. Phoenix CVS
Phoenix Police are looking for two men that they say robbed a CVS Pharmacy -- taking not cash, but cigarettes.
Police say they leapt over the counter and grabbed thousands of dollars in cigarettes Tuesday morning, at the CVS on Tatum Blvd. near Desert Ridge.
The suspects then took off in a black Chevy Malibu.
Sgt. Amy Smith says this isn't the first time robbers have gone for cigarettes. "They definitely knew what they were coming for. They grabbed cigarettes, jumped back over and they left."
Police say the suspects were not armed. They were customers in the store at the time.
Police say they leapt over the counter and grabbed thousands of dollars in cigarettes Tuesday morning, at the CVS on Tatum Blvd. near Desert Ridge.
The suspects then took off in a black Chevy Malibu.
Sgt. Amy Smith says this isn't the first time robbers have gone for cigarettes. "They definitely knew what they were coming for. They grabbed cigarettes, jumped back over and they left."
Police say the suspects were not armed. They were customers in the store at the time.
понедельник, 7 сентября 2009 г.
Big Tobacco Strikes Back
It didn’t take long for tobacco companies to try to evade tough new restrictions on their ability to market to young people. Less than three months after a landmark federal law granted the Food and Drug Administration power to regulate tobacco products, several of the industry’s biggest companies filed suit in tobacco-friendly Kentucky. They contend that the law’s marketing provisions infringe their commercial free-speech rights.
For the sake of the public’s health, we hope this suit is the last gasp of an industry that has a long, sorry history of pretending to market only to adults while surreptitiously targeting young people.
The industry is not trying to upend the entire law or the government’s right to regulate cigarette contents. Rather, it seeks to block restrictions that would greatly limit how and where it can advertise.
The law, for example, bans the use of color or graphic images in advertisements placed in magazines that reach a significant number of people under the age of 18 even though the primary audience might be adults. Ads in those magazines would have to consist of black text on a white background. The lawsuit contends that People magazine, Sports Illustrated and ESPN the Magazine, all read predominantly by adults, would be limited to black-and-white tobacco ads.
Under another provision, cigarette packages would have to carry much larger warnings than the current labels and would have to use color graphics to depict the health consequences of smoking.
The law also prohibits advertising that products carry a lower risk than traditional cigarettes without F.D.A. approval, a provision aimed at ensuring that such claims are scientifically valid not only for individual smokers but also for the population as a whole, including nonsmokers who might be enticed to smoke if they thought a cigarette was low-risk.
The industry contends that these and other restrictions limit its ability to convey “truthful information” about a lawful product to adult consumers, not just to young people. Antismoking advocates retort that the companies can convey their information in black and white without using colorful images that have a strong emotional resonance with young people.
To uphold the law, the courts would have to decide that all of these provisions are “narrowly tailored” to the goal of reducing youth smoking, one of the tests of constitutionality. In 2001 the Supreme Court overturned rules in Massachusetts prohibiting outdoor advertising of tobacco products within 1,000 feet of schools and playgrounds because, while aimed at protecting children, the restrictions interfered unduly with messages aimed at adults.
The new law revises provisions on outdoor advertising to meet the objections raised in that case. They would not prohibit ads in retail store windows near schools and playgrounds, for example, so that adult passers-by would know tobacco products were on sale inside.
And just in case more changes are thought necessary, the law instructs the F.D.A. to modify its rules before issuing them to comply with the Massachusetts decision and other governing First Amendment cases.
On public health grounds, the tobacco industry does not deserve much latitude to promote its deadly products with colorful images, as opposed to black-and-white text. In a 2006 opinion based on company documents, Federal District Judge Gladys Kessler found that tobacco companies had marketed to young people “while consistently, publicly, and falsely, denying they do so.”
Now, the courts must decide how much this rogue industry may be restrained. The health of millions of impressionable young people rides on the outcome.
For the sake of the public’s health, we hope this suit is the last gasp of an industry that has a long, sorry history of pretending to market only to adults while surreptitiously targeting young people.
The industry is not trying to upend the entire law or the government’s right to regulate cigarette contents. Rather, it seeks to block restrictions that would greatly limit how and where it can advertise.
The law, for example, bans the use of color or graphic images in advertisements placed in magazines that reach a significant number of people under the age of 18 even though the primary audience might be adults. Ads in those magazines would have to consist of black text on a white background. The lawsuit contends that People magazine, Sports Illustrated and ESPN the Magazine, all read predominantly by adults, would be limited to black-and-white tobacco ads.
Under another provision, cigarette packages would have to carry much larger warnings than the current labels and would have to use color graphics to depict the health consequences of smoking.
The law also prohibits advertising that products carry a lower risk than traditional cigarettes without F.D.A. approval, a provision aimed at ensuring that such claims are scientifically valid not only for individual smokers but also for the population as a whole, including nonsmokers who might be enticed to smoke if they thought a cigarette was low-risk.
The industry contends that these and other restrictions limit its ability to convey “truthful information” about a lawful product to adult consumers, not just to young people. Antismoking advocates retort that the companies can convey their information in black and white without using colorful images that have a strong emotional resonance with young people.
To uphold the law, the courts would have to decide that all of these provisions are “narrowly tailored” to the goal of reducing youth smoking, one of the tests of constitutionality. In 2001 the Supreme Court overturned rules in Massachusetts prohibiting outdoor advertising of tobacco products within 1,000 feet of schools and playgrounds because, while aimed at protecting children, the restrictions interfered unduly with messages aimed at adults.
The new law revises provisions on outdoor advertising to meet the objections raised in that case. They would not prohibit ads in retail store windows near schools and playgrounds, for example, so that adult passers-by would know tobacco products were on sale inside.
And just in case more changes are thought necessary, the law instructs the F.D.A. to modify its rules before issuing them to comply with the Massachusetts decision and other governing First Amendment cases.
On public health grounds, the tobacco industry does not deserve much latitude to promote its deadly products with colorful images, as opposed to black-and-white text. In a 2006 opinion based on company documents, Federal District Judge Gladys Kessler found that tobacco companies had marketed to young people “while consistently, publicly, and falsely, denying they do so.”
Now, the courts must decide how much this rogue industry may be restrained. The health of millions of impressionable young people rides on the outcome.
четверг, 3 сентября 2009 г.
Philip Morris Thai unit faces tax charges - police
BANGKOK (Reuters) - The Thai unit of Philip Morris International Inc faces charges that it violated customs tax rules by understating the prices of imported cigarettes, a Thai police official said on Thursday.
Philip Morris (Thailand) denied the allegations.
The head of the Department of Special Investigation (DSI), Thewee Sodsong, told Reuters the case had been submitted to the public prosecutor, adding: "It's up to the prosecutor what the next step will be."
The distributor of Marlboro and L&M cigarettes is accused of deception from 2003-2007, causing a loss of 69 billion baht ($2.03 billion) in taxes.
If the Attorney General's office agrees with the DSI's submission, the case could go to court.
No one at Philip Morris (Thailand) was immediately available for comment, but the company issued a statement saying it was confident the prosecutor would conclude that its actions were in accordance with international and Thai customs valuation methods.
"The DSI's allegations concerning our declared customs values are no different than those first reported in the press in 2006 and we believe they have no merit," it said.
Thai media reported that 10 Thai executives of Philip Morris had been summoned by the DSI to acknowledge charges of breaching the Customs Act and the Tobacco Act on Oct. 2.
The DSI has also obtained arrest warrants for four foreign executives who have fled.
Philip Morris (Thailand) denied the allegations.
The head of the Department of Special Investigation (DSI), Thewee Sodsong, told Reuters the case had been submitted to the public prosecutor, adding: "It's up to the prosecutor what the next step will be."
The distributor of Marlboro and L&M cigarettes is accused of deception from 2003-2007, causing a loss of 69 billion baht ($2.03 billion) in taxes.
If the Attorney General's office agrees with the DSI's submission, the case could go to court.
No one at Philip Morris (Thailand) was immediately available for comment, but the company issued a statement saying it was confident the prosecutor would conclude that its actions were in accordance with international and Thai customs valuation methods.
"The DSI's allegations concerning our declared customs values are no different than those first reported in the press in 2006 and we believe they have no merit," it said.
Thai media reported that 10 Thai executives of Philip Morris had been summoned by the DSI to acknowledge charges of breaching the Customs Act and the Tobacco Act on Oct. 2.
The DSI has also obtained arrest warrants for four foreign executives who have fled.
вторник, 1 сентября 2009 г.
Argument about 'clothes, cigarettes and money' ends in pillow fight
An argument between a couple about clothes, cigarettes and money escalated on Aug. 20 when the man pushed her to the bed and hit her with a pillow, according to his arrest report.
He continued to hit her with the pillow until she got off the bed and went to go downstairs. At that point, he pushed her down the stairs in front of children who were watching.
The 20-year-old man was charged with domestic battery.
He continued to hit her with the pillow until she got off the bed and went to go downstairs. At that point, he pushed her down the stairs in front of children who were watching.
The 20-year-old man was charged with domestic battery.
пятница, 21 августа 2009 г.
Man pleads guilty to smuggling cigarettes abroad
MIAMI — Authorities say an American has pleaded guilty to smuggling more than 27 million cigarettes from the U.S. into some European Union countries.
Authorities in Miami say 57-year-old Roman Vidal pleaded guilty Friday to conspiring to commit wire and mail fraud. They say he was trying to avoid paying more than $6.5 million in customs and tax duties.
They say he arranged to buy cases of cigarettes from Panama along with other cargo such as yarn and wood flooring to cover them up. Authorities say he directed the preparation of documents that declared only the cover materials, not the cigarettes.
Sentencing is set for Nov. 10.
Vidal's attorney didn't immediately return a telephone message and an e-mail.
Authorities in Miami say 57-year-old Roman Vidal pleaded guilty Friday to conspiring to commit wire and mail fraud. They say he was trying to avoid paying more than $6.5 million in customs and tax duties.
They say he arranged to buy cases of cigarettes from Panama along with other cargo such as yarn and wood flooring to cover them up. Authorities say he directed the preparation of documents that declared only the cover materials, not the cigarettes.
Sentencing is set for Nov. 10.
Vidal's attorney didn't immediately return a telephone message and an e-mail.
понедельник, 17 августа 2009 г.
Smokeless "E-cigarette" Makers and FDA in Court Today
CHICAGO - One state has already banned e-cigarettes, the battery-powered tobacco-free smoking tubes. This week, two distributors of the products challenge the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in federal court for confiscating product shipments from China; the FDA says they are dangerous.
The tube looks like a paper-and-tobacco cigarette and produces vapors of nicotine and flavors that can be inhaled without the traditional cigarette smoke. Those who uses the devices call it "vaping." Oregon has banned the sale of the so-called electronic cigarettes, as have Canada and Mexico. Some makers of e-cigarettes say "vaping" is safer than smoking. Kathy Drea, vice president of advocacy for the American Lung Association Upper Midwest says that's debatable.
"The FDA has found carcinogens and toxic chemicals in the vapor that the person inhales and in the vapor that's released from the e-cigarette."
Drea says that those findings were from a small sample only, and because e-cigarettes are so new, no one really knows the long-term health effects. She says the American Lung Association is concerned about how fast these e-cigarettes hit the market.
"These cigarette manufacturers have sold these nicotine delivery devices without any FDA review or approval."
Drea says the results of preliminary tests don't look good.
"The FDA has done some studies on the e-cigarettes, and they have found that they contain carcinogens and toxic chemicals, including ingredients found in antifreeze."
The antifreeze ingredient is diethyline glycol.
The federal district court will be asked to decide whether e-cigarettes should be classified as tobacco or as nicotine products. If they are classified as nicotine, then the FDA says they should be treated just like any smoking cessation aid and should be subject to federal regulation and testing. The manufacturers want the court to classify e-cigarettes as tobacco products, to be more loosely regulated. The Electronic Cigarette Association, which represents the distributors, claims e-cigarettes deliver a harmless mixture of nicotine and water vapor.
The Upper Midwest District includes Illinois, Iowa, Indiana, Wisconsin, Minnesota and North and South Dakota.
The tube looks like a paper-and-tobacco cigarette and produces vapors of nicotine and flavors that can be inhaled without the traditional cigarette smoke. Those who uses the devices call it "vaping." Oregon has banned the sale of the so-called electronic cigarettes, as have Canada and Mexico. Some makers of e-cigarettes say "vaping" is safer than smoking. Kathy Drea, vice president of advocacy for the American Lung Association Upper Midwest says that's debatable.
"The FDA has found carcinogens and toxic chemicals in the vapor that the person inhales and in the vapor that's released from the e-cigarette."
Drea says that those findings were from a small sample only, and because e-cigarettes are so new, no one really knows the long-term health effects. She says the American Lung Association is concerned about how fast these e-cigarettes hit the market.
"These cigarette manufacturers have sold these nicotine delivery devices without any FDA review or approval."
Drea says the results of preliminary tests don't look good.
"The FDA has done some studies on the e-cigarettes, and they have found that they contain carcinogens and toxic chemicals, including ingredients found in antifreeze."
The antifreeze ingredient is diethyline glycol.
The federal district court will be asked to decide whether e-cigarettes should be classified as tobacco or as nicotine products. If they are classified as nicotine, then the FDA says they should be treated just like any smoking cessation aid and should be subject to federal regulation and testing. The manufacturers want the court to classify e-cigarettes as tobacco products, to be more loosely regulated. The Electronic Cigarette Association, which represents the distributors, claims e-cigarettes deliver a harmless mixture of nicotine and water vapor.
The Upper Midwest District includes Illinois, Iowa, Indiana, Wisconsin, Minnesota and North and South Dakota.
вторник, 11 августа 2009 г.
Cigarette display ban will boost illegal sales
GOVERNMENT plans to ban cigarette displays in shops will boost black market tobacco sales, shopkeepers say.
In December last year the Government announced plans to force shop owners to store all tobacco products under the counter.
The Government believe it will curb teenage smoking.
But tobacconists, including Kirklees councillor Mohammed Sarwar, believe it will ruin their trade and encourage smokers to buy counterfeit and illegally imported cigarettes.
A study from of 26,000 UK shopkeepers by the Tobacco Retailers Alliance found 81% of convenience shop owners in Yorkshire believed the illegal tobacco business would benefit from a law which prohibits tobacco displays in shops.
Clr Sarwar, who owns Fair Price, Newsome Road, said: “People think the prices for legal tobacco are high and they can get imported cigarettes for less. Already shopkeepers are struggling.
“Yesterday 80% of my sales were cigarettes. When display units are stopped I think there will be a big loss.
“I think it will increase black market cigarette sales and create more problems for shopkeepers.
“Also if you have to bend down to get the cigarettes someone could hit you over the head and steal from the till.”
In December last year the Government announced plans to force shop owners to store all tobacco products under the counter.
The Government believe it will curb teenage smoking.
But tobacconists, including Kirklees councillor Mohammed Sarwar, believe it will ruin their trade and encourage smokers to buy counterfeit and illegally imported cigarettes.
A study from of 26,000 UK shopkeepers by the Tobacco Retailers Alliance found 81% of convenience shop owners in Yorkshire believed the illegal tobacco business would benefit from a law which prohibits tobacco displays in shops.
Clr Sarwar, who owns Fair Price, Newsome Road, said: “People think the prices for legal tobacco are high and they can get imported cigarettes for less. Already shopkeepers are struggling.
“Yesterday 80% of my sales were cigarettes. When display units are stopped I think there will be a big loss.
“I think it will increase black market cigarette sales and create more problems for shopkeepers.
“Also if you have to bend down to get the cigarettes someone could hit you over the head and steal from the till.”
четверг, 6 августа 2009 г.
Man 'scammed $1.1m in cigarettes'
A MAN set up a fake shop front so he could steal more than $1 million in cigarettes from tobacco suppliers in just three weeks, a court has been told.
Son Thanh Nguyen, 50, of Durack, ran the scam from his leased shop at Capalaba between July and August 1999, the Brisbane District Court was told today.
Prosecutor Chris Minnery said Mr Nguyen ordered cigarettes from three suppliers - Australian Independent Wholesalers, Rothmans and Trio Brothers Pty Ltd - and then paid with valueless cheques upon delivery.
When the tobacco suppliers visited the shop to demand payment they found it empty.
The court was told Mr Nguyen had fled the country for Vietnam, where he was born and lived before coming to Australia in 1981 as a refugee.
Mr Minnery said none of the stock has been recovered, with suppliers suffering a total loss of more than $1.1 million.
The court was told Mr Nguyen eventually returned to Australia and was located by police in Inala in 2004.
He was charged with 17 counts of aggravated fraud to which he pleaded guilty today.
He was sentenced to six years' jail and will be eligible for parole after serving two years behind bars.
Son Thanh Nguyen, 50, of Durack, ran the scam from his leased shop at Capalaba between July and August 1999, the Brisbane District Court was told today.
Prosecutor Chris Minnery said Mr Nguyen ordered cigarettes from three suppliers - Australian Independent Wholesalers, Rothmans and Trio Brothers Pty Ltd - and then paid with valueless cheques upon delivery.
When the tobacco suppliers visited the shop to demand payment they found it empty.
The court was told Mr Nguyen had fled the country for Vietnam, where he was born and lived before coming to Australia in 1981 as a refugee.
Mr Minnery said none of the stock has been recovered, with suppliers suffering a total loss of more than $1.1 million.
The court was told Mr Nguyen eventually returned to Australia and was located by police in Inala in 2004.
He was charged with 17 counts of aggravated fraud to which he pleaded guilty today.
He was sentenced to six years' jail and will be eligible for parole after serving two years behind bars.
понедельник, 27 июля 2009 г.
Cigarette makers lose ruling in Louisiana
Philip Morris USA, R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. and other U.S. cigarette makers must pay part of a $591-million award to fund quit-smoking programs in Louisiana, a state appeals court ruled Wednesday.
The New Orleans court upheld part of a 2004 jury verdict that said the companies must pay for a 10-year program including nicotine gum and patches, telephone lines and regional stop-smoking centers, said Russ Herman, a New Orleans lawyer representing the smokers.
The companies can appeal to the Louisiana Supreme Court.
"On the whole, I'm very satisfied," Herman said. It wasn't immediately clear how much the companies will have to pay under the ruling, he said.
The decision upholds some aspects of the first jury verdict to require cigarette makers to pay to help smokers quit.
It comes after a federal judge in Washington ruled in August that the industry violated U.S. racketeering laws and must stop marketing cigarettes as "light" or "low-tar."
John Sorrells, a spokesman for Philip Morris parent Altria Group Inc., said the company hadn't seen the decision and declined to comment.
The Louisiana court reduced the amount the companies will have to pay and held that they would not have to pay at least $415 million in interest the smokers had claimed, Herman said.
A New Orleans jury of eight women and four men returned the underlying verdict in May 2004 after lawyers for a statewide class of smokers had asked the companies to finance smoking cessation programs for 25 years at a cost of more than $1 billion.
The New Orleans court upheld part of a 2004 jury verdict that said the companies must pay for a 10-year program including nicotine gum and patches, telephone lines and regional stop-smoking centers, said Russ Herman, a New Orleans lawyer representing the smokers.
The companies can appeal to the Louisiana Supreme Court.
"On the whole, I'm very satisfied," Herman said. It wasn't immediately clear how much the companies will have to pay under the ruling, he said.
The decision upholds some aspects of the first jury verdict to require cigarette makers to pay to help smokers quit.
It comes after a federal judge in Washington ruled in August that the industry violated U.S. racketeering laws and must stop marketing cigarettes as "light" or "low-tar."
John Sorrells, a spokesman for Philip Morris parent Altria Group Inc., said the company hadn't seen the decision and declined to comment.
The Louisiana court reduced the amount the companies will have to pay and held that they would not have to pay at least $415 million in interest the smokers had claimed, Herman said.
A New Orleans jury of eight women and four men returned the underlying verdict in May 2004 after lawyers for a statewide class of smokers had asked the companies to finance smoking cessation programs for 25 years at a cost of more than $1 billion.
четверг, 16 июля 2009 г.
E-Cigarettes May Be The Answer To The Mental Addiction To Smoking
Despite the health warnings plastered all over tobacco products these days, about 1 in 3 of the population of the world smokes. The dangers of smoking have been made known for years and while many Americans have tried to quit with patches, gums, and prescription medications, some argue that the number one thing you need to do is to break the mental addiction to smoking.
The mental addiction to the act of holding something in your hand, puffing on it, and seeing the smoke is something that most people have a very difficult time getting over. The nicotine in cigarettes is cleared from the body only a few days after a person smokes their last cigarette, but the want of a smoke afterward (even 6 months afterward) can be unbearable. This is why most smoking cessation products like gums, patches, and pills do not work on a long term basis. Counseling is often needed to completely make the switch from being a smoker to being a non-smoker, but a new product may help break the mental habit by convenience alone.
The e-cigarette is comprised of an atomizer, a battery, a cartridge (sometimes with nicotine), and an LED light at the end to simulate burning. Cartridges are available in varying levels of nicotine strength, from high to zero, so an e-smoker can reduce the amount of nicotine they intake gradually. What makes the e-cigarette wonderful is the fact that it's not on fire, so it's very convenient to put down whenever you want to. An e-smoker is not obligated to smoking an entire cigarette even though they do not want to, so they actually end up smoking less than they normally would because having the e-cigarette out of their hand helps them forget about smoking.
In addition, e-cigarettes do not require an ashtray, since they are not on fire and do not produce ash. It is also less of a fire hazard, since e-smokers do not have to worry about waking up to themselves or their bed on fire just because they want to smoke in bed (often while watching TV).
Another reason to switch is due to the fact that e-cigarette cartridges are cheaper than a pack of tobacco cigarettes. One cartridge is the equivalent of a whole pack of tobacco cigarettes, depending on the smoking habit of the user. New users may not get as much use out of cartridges until they get used to them, because they treat them like a tobacco cigarette for a while until they realize they can actually set them down. Getting out of the mindset that it has to be held in the hand all the time is the most important thing to get away from, because the less you have it in your hand, the more likely you are to get occupied with other things (like life) and forget it's there at all.
The mental addiction to the act of holding something in your hand, puffing on it, and seeing the smoke is something that most people have a very difficult time getting over. The nicotine in cigarettes is cleared from the body only a few days after a person smokes their last cigarette, but the want of a smoke afterward (even 6 months afterward) can be unbearable. This is why most smoking cessation products like gums, patches, and pills do not work on a long term basis. Counseling is often needed to completely make the switch from being a smoker to being a non-smoker, but a new product may help break the mental habit by convenience alone.
The e-cigarette is comprised of an atomizer, a battery, a cartridge (sometimes with nicotine), and an LED light at the end to simulate burning. Cartridges are available in varying levels of nicotine strength, from high to zero, so an e-smoker can reduce the amount of nicotine they intake gradually. What makes the e-cigarette wonderful is the fact that it's not on fire, so it's very convenient to put down whenever you want to. An e-smoker is not obligated to smoking an entire cigarette even though they do not want to, so they actually end up smoking less than they normally would because having the e-cigarette out of their hand helps them forget about smoking.
In addition, e-cigarettes do not require an ashtray, since they are not on fire and do not produce ash. It is also less of a fire hazard, since e-smokers do not have to worry about waking up to themselves or their bed on fire just because they want to smoke in bed (often while watching TV).
Another reason to switch is due to the fact that e-cigarette cartridges are cheaper than a pack of tobacco cigarettes. One cartridge is the equivalent of a whole pack of tobacco cigarettes, depending on the smoking habit of the user. New users may not get as much use out of cartridges until they get used to them, because they treat them like a tobacco cigarette for a while until they realize they can actually set them down. Getting out of the mindset that it has to be held in the hand all the time is the most important thing to get away from, because the less you have it in your hand, the more likely you are to get occupied with other things (like life) and forget it's there at all.
понедельник, 13 июля 2009 г.
The Enjoyment Of Cigarettes Is To Die For
Have you ever wondered exactly what it is that people get out of smoking tobacco? If you are a non-smoker, it is a question that you will probably never have an answer to. It is hard enough to answer even for a smoker. The enjoyment that they get from a cigarette can be so vague that they even question themselves what it does for them. It does not make them high like other drugs do, at least not in a way that they can actually feel. However, even though a smoker can not really feel the effects it has on their body, the nicotine that they inhale does promote subtle changes that satisfies a physical craving that is experienced by addicted smokers.
It could be said that besides the physical satisfaction derived from inhaling nicotine, they also get a sort of emotional satisfaction when they smoke. It perhaps comforts them in some way that a non-smoker could not understand. Perhaps they get the satisfaction akin to what a non-smoker would get from relaxing in a hot bath or enjoying a cup of coffee. It just feels good to relax and enjoy a smoke. Smokers try to achieve this sort of satisfaction from a cigarette sometimes twenty or more times a day after they have become addicted. It is a strange habit to say the least. With a drug addict of another kind, you can almost understand the attraction because a drug like heroine or cocaine can transport the user to a more euphoric state, but tobacco does not do that,
Whatever enjoyment that people derive from smoking tobacco, it is an enjoyment that they would die for, literally. Not that drugs like cocaine or heroine will not also kill the user after a long period of addiction. Smokers must admit that they are willing to die for their habit because so many of them do everyday. The diseases and illnesses they end up with all because of smoking cigarettes can not be denied. While there are many that eventually find a way to quit this nasty habit, there are millions more that never will They will go to there grave huffing for breath and puffing on that last smoke.
It is so difficult to comprehend why someone would sacrifice their good life all for the sake of inhaling smoke day after day. That is what they do. They wake up smoking, they go through their day smoking, and they go to bed smoking at night. They must have a cigarette when they get the urge for one or they can become terribly anxious and irritable in most cases. These are true signs of an addiction. The only hope a tobacco smoker has is if they realize soon enough that they must find a way to give up the habit. There are many approaches used for this and it is a shame when a person dies from smoking having never found one of them.
It could be said that besides the physical satisfaction derived from inhaling nicotine, they also get a sort of emotional satisfaction when they smoke. It perhaps comforts them in some way that a non-smoker could not understand. Perhaps they get the satisfaction akin to what a non-smoker would get from relaxing in a hot bath or enjoying a cup of coffee. It just feels good to relax and enjoy a smoke. Smokers try to achieve this sort of satisfaction from a cigarette sometimes twenty or more times a day after they have become addicted. It is a strange habit to say the least. With a drug addict of another kind, you can almost understand the attraction because a drug like heroine or cocaine can transport the user to a more euphoric state, but tobacco does not do that,
Whatever enjoyment that people derive from smoking tobacco, it is an enjoyment that they would die for, literally. Not that drugs like cocaine or heroine will not also kill the user after a long period of addiction. Smokers must admit that they are willing to die for their habit because so many of them do everyday. The diseases and illnesses they end up with all because of smoking cigarettes can not be denied. While there are many that eventually find a way to quit this nasty habit, there are millions more that never will They will go to there grave huffing for breath and puffing on that last smoke.
It is so difficult to comprehend why someone would sacrifice their good life all for the sake of inhaling smoke day after day. That is what they do. They wake up smoking, they go through their day smoking, and they go to bed smoking at night. They must have a cigarette when they get the urge for one or they can become terribly anxious and irritable in most cases. These are true signs of an addiction. The only hope a tobacco smoker has is if they realize soon enough that they must find a way to give up the habit. There are many approaches used for this and it is a shame when a person dies from smoking having never found one of them.
понедельник, 6 июля 2009 г.
Counterfeit cigarettes seized
Johannesburg - Mpumalanga police have seized a truck transporting counterfeit cigarettes worth about R4.1m after it entered South Africa from Mozambique.
Captain Leonard Hlathi said on Wednesday that police were told about the truck on Tuesday night. It was on its way to Limpopo.
They waited until the truck got onto the N4 freeway near Malelane before stopping it. They found about 590 boxes of counterfeit cigarettes.
The driver, a Mozambican national, had a South African passport in his possession. He is expected to appear in the Komatipoort Magistrate's Court on Friday on a charge of possession of illegal property.
Police are still investigating how he got hold of a South African passport.
Captain Leonard Hlathi said on Wednesday that police were told about the truck on Tuesday night. It was on its way to Limpopo.
They waited until the truck got onto the N4 freeway near Malelane before stopping it. They found about 590 boxes of counterfeit cigarettes.
The driver, a Mozambican national, had a South African passport in his possession. He is expected to appear in the Komatipoort Magistrate's Court on Friday on a charge of possession of illegal property.
Police are still investigating how he got hold of a South African passport.
пятница, 3 июля 2009 г.
Nine interesting facts about electronic cigarettes
1.An electronic cigarette doesn’t contain tobacco. Instead, it’s a plastic device which is activated by the user inhaling. The device then injects tiny drops of nicotine into the flowing air, causing them to vaporise. The device also adds propylene glycol, a moisturizer that’s often found in toothpastes and mouthwashes. This helps create a simulation of the smoke from a traditional cigarette, making it feel much more like real smoking.
2.Electronic cigarettes are not proven to help people give up smoking and aren’t marketed for this purpose. However, manufacturers can produce a range of electronic cigarettes with varying levels of nicotine. This means people trying to cut down on a nicotine addiction can gradually reduce the levels they consume without being held back by the habit of ‘lighting up’ a certain number of times each day.
3.single electronic cigarette can last practically forever as the nicotine solution comes in a disposable cartridge (which usually last for several hundred drags). The mechanism is powered by a rechargeable battery, which also powers an orange LED at the tip to simulate a real burning cigarette.
4.An electronic cigarette doesn’t produce any smell, and the ‘smoke’ it produces is harmless vapour (besides the nicotine the smoker inhales) and doesn’t irritate the eyes. This means a smoker using the device can take part in normal social activities without engendering or irritating other people. There’s also no unpleasant waste from cigarette butts.
5.Electronic cigarettes are available in traditional tobacco flavour, but also in menthol and apple versions.
6.Smokers in the United Kingdom have used the device to get round bans on smoking in enclosed public places. The famous Chinawhite nightclub in Soho allowed its guests to use an electronic cigarette rather than go out on to the street for a traditional smoke.
7.The Daily Mail tested the device in 2007 on bar-goers in Notting Hill. One woman said “I miss not being able to drink and smoke on a night out. This is a good solution. It's elegant and easy to hold and it doesn't make your hands smell like a cigarette does.” And her male companion added “I think it could become popular. Smokers would do anything to have a cigarette at a table rather than go outside.” The pair later shot to ‘fame’ as Big Brother contestants Rex Newmark & Nicole Cammack!
8.Using an electronic cigarette can be considerably cheaper than smoking the real thing. A single cartridge gives roughly the same amount of ‘smoking’ as a standard packet of cigarettes but can be as much as six times less expensive. That’s partly because you don’t have to pay for all the tar, tobacco and paper which you normally buy and then literally send up in smoke!
9.While containing fewer harmful substances, the nicotine content of electronic cigarettes means they are not sold to children. It’s also recommended that pregnant women do not use the device, and that anyone with health concerns checks with a doctor first.
2.Electronic cigarettes are not proven to help people give up smoking and aren’t marketed for this purpose. However, manufacturers can produce a range of electronic cigarettes with varying levels of nicotine. This means people trying to cut down on a nicotine addiction can gradually reduce the levels they consume without being held back by the habit of ‘lighting up’ a certain number of times each day.
3.single electronic cigarette can last practically forever as the nicotine solution comes in a disposable cartridge (which usually last for several hundred drags). The mechanism is powered by a rechargeable battery, which also powers an orange LED at the tip to simulate a real burning cigarette.
4.An electronic cigarette doesn’t produce any smell, and the ‘smoke’ it produces is harmless vapour (besides the nicotine the smoker inhales) and doesn’t irritate the eyes. This means a smoker using the device can take part in normal social activities without engendering or irritating other people. There’s also no unpleasant waste from cigarette butts.
5.Electronic cigarettes are available in traditional tobacco flavour, but also in menthol and apple versions.
6.Smokers in the United Kingdom have used the device to get round bans on smoking in enclosed public places. The famous Chinawhite nightclub in Soho allowed its guests to use an electronic cigarette rather than go out on to the street for a traditional smoke.
7.The Daily Mail tested the device in 2007 on bar-goers in Notting Hill. One woman said “I miss not being able to drink and smoke on a night out. This is a good solution. It's elegant and easy to hold and it doesn't make your hands smell like a cigarette does.” And her male companion added “I think it could become popular. Smokers would do anything to have a cigarette at a table rather than go outside.” The pair later shot to ‘fame’ as Big Brother contestants Rex Newmark & Nicole Cammack!
8.Using an electronic cigarette can be considerably cheaper than smoking the real thing. A single cartridge gives roughly the same amount of ‘smoking’ as a standard packet of cigarettes but can be as much as six times less expensive. That’s partly because you don’t have to pay for all the tar, tobacco and paper which you normally buy and then literally send up in smoke!
9.While containing fewer harmful substances, the nicotine content of electronic cigarettes means they are not sold to children. It’s also recommended that pregnant women do not use the device, and that anyone with health concerns checks with a doctor first.
понедельник, 29 июня 2009 г.
There’s no such thing as a good cigarette!
Forget the idea that smoking a cigarette from time to time is ok. Even occasional smokers are putting themselves at risk, particularly of cardiovascular problems.
Smoking can in fact very rapidly affect the physiology of the artery walls and contribute to the early onset of atherosclerosis, leading to the formation of atheromatous plaques and the risk of myocardial infarction.
An American study published in the French journal Tabac Actualités has recently shown this. Two groups were formed and studied, each consisting of 6 men and 3 women, aged between 20 and 26, and all in good health. The first comprised nine members who had never smoked and acted as a control group. The second group of 9 were all occasional smokers, ie they had been smoking less than one packet of cigarettes per week for at least a year.
The researchers found that the arteries of those who smoked showed signs of obstruction, and this was after smoking only two cigarettes per day. These results suggest that the atherosclerotic process is encouraged by even episodic intoxication, explains Dr Claire Vesin of the AHT cardiovascular prevention and therapy unit of the l’Hôtel Dieu de Paris hospital. Even one or two cigarettes consumed in particular circumstances, at a party for example, can have a real impact on health. And we need to get this new message out there!
Smoking can in fact very rapidly affect the physiology of the artery walls and contribute to the early onset of atherosclerosis, leading to the formation of atheromatous plaques and the risk of myocardial infarction.
An American study published in the French journal Tabac Actualités has recently shown this. Two groups were formed and studied, each consisting of 6 men and 3 women, aged between 20 and 26, and all in good health. The first comprised nine members who had never smoked and acted as a control group. The second group of 9 were all occasional smokers, ie they had been smoking less than one packet of cigarettes per week for at least a year.
The researchers found that the arteries of those who smoked showed signs of obstruction, and this was after smoking only two cigarettes per day. These results suggest that the atherosclerotic process is encouraged by even episodic intoxication, explains Dr Claire Vesin of the AHT cardiovascular prevention and therapy unit of the l’Hôtel Dieu de Paris hospital. Even one or two cigarettes consumed in particular circumstances, at a party for example, can have a real impact on health. And we need to get this new message out there!
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