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."
понедельник, 30 ноября 2009 г.
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.
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