New Zealand: Philip Morris Combats Anti-smoking Plans

Source from:  TV3 (nz)  07/23/2012

Cigarette giant Philip Morris has kicked off an aggressive backlash against Government moves aimed at getting smokers to quit. The company is calling on its consumers to help it oppose new laws and continual price increases.

People who buy Philip Morris products may now be given a card by their retailer directing them to a website - where they can register and have their say. However the card scheme is voluntary and the two major supermarket chains say they will not be handing out the information, the New Zealand Herald reports. Philip Morris spokesman Chris Bishop says the website has been launched to allow “adult smokers” to voice their opinions on new tobacco regulations. "We talked to our customers ... and we really got the sense that they wanted the ability to learn more about these issues and voice their concerns about them," says Bishop. Proposed law changes include increasing the tax on tobacco to push the price of a pack of 20 cigarettes up to more than $20 over the next four years. There are also plans to introduce plain packaging for cigarettes, abolish duty-free allowances on tobacco products, and extend smoking bans to outdoor public places. Enditem