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Philip Morris combats anti-smoking plans

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Philip Morris combats anti-smoking plans

3News NZ

Philip Morris says it is providing a space for its consumers to voice their concerns about regulatory issues (file)

Philip Morris says it is providing a space for its consumers to voice their concerns about regulatory issues (file)

By 3 News online staff

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.

3 News / RadioLIVE

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Comments

22/08/2012 4:10:15 p.m.

Sosoome wrote:

For me the health issues are NOT the key issue, IT'S the stench that a smoker creates NOT only when smoking but in my proximity. I don't need and I DON'T like it!

2/08/2012 1:44:59 p.m.

Shaun wrote:

@ G. C. Except for those in the zoo, there are no bears in NZ.

29/07/2012 1:56:22 p.m.

Graeme C Peters wrote:

I would have to say this, is it any wonder why people are leaving nz when you have a government laying down laws about smokers and one women who is against people who smoke, there is more people killed in new zealand through drink driving and murders drunk on bear or wine, but do you ever see the government hiting bear and wine like they are doing about smokeing no.where have peoples rights gone to allow them to smoke if they wish to do so. new zealand is getting more and more a dicktaiter country more and more. sorry but I feel that if a person wants to smoke fine dont keep putting the price of smokes up and up try putting the price of bear and wine up to the same price of smokes. there might not be as many people killed by boose and the hospitals and people might be safer,
I would not vote for a person that is against smokers and think other people should do the same or even get rid of the government on a vote of no confidence

25/07/2012 8:13:11 p.m.

The Plan wrote:

MICHELLE: no one is stopping you. Given the governments role in the protection of the people it is perfectly with in it right make smoke as unattractive as possible. I would not have a problem with requiring at least one or more cigs per pack to have the taste of a sewer, or gas gangrene. Nicotine highjacks reward centres of the brain, which keeps aphids sucking until it kills them. Nicotine is a natural pesticide.

24/07/2012 1:53:55 p.m.

michelle wrote:

We should have the freedom to smoke if we choose too. They should stop putting the prices up it only makes the tobacco companies make more. I would rather give up food than give up my smokes. My choice and im not going to give up because of someone elses opinions?????

24/07/2012 10:21:06 a.m.

Nick wrote:

Wasting more Taxpayers money for their adventures. The Government is going to try and take on the Tobacco Companies, only problem is that they are not the Maori Party so they will not be laying down. There are more important issues that should be getting addressed, but as always this Government is letting those slide.

23/07/2012 5:53:42 p.m.

Jules wrote:

Cigarettes are pison. They waste money. They cause painful deaths and asthma amongst children. No way should we allow them, anywhere.

23/07/2012 4:03:25 p.m.

Margaret Partridge wrote:

The goverment seems to have alot of controll over peoples lives as do the maori`s. Why dont they pick on the drinkers as they are the ones that jump into their cars and end up killing porple. I have never heard of a smoker jumping in their car and killing anyone. Come on John Keys get a life

23/07/2012 2:45:23 p.m.

Jim Fisher wrote:

Just posted on Philip Morris' protest site. Wonder if they'll do what they say... Forgot to say... Can you please do as you have advertised on this website and share my views below with politicians and other key decision makers because as you quite rightly say "My opinion counts!" I am a smoker. I am 49 years old and have smoked for over a third of my life. About a pack a day, Probably averaged nearly 2 cigarettes every hour of my adult life. It is the biggest mistake I have made in my life. Preventing my children from smoking is one of my biggest goals in life. Pull your head in Philip Morris. My suggestion to the very talented marketers and salespeople in your company is go and work in a positive, growth industry, not one one one that is crippling people physically, financially and emotionally. I can't wait for the day we get real and put these little hell sticks in the brown, plain packaging they deserve.

23/07/2012 2:43:11 p.m.

ordinary joe wrote:

One thing is for sure - cigarettes damage your health a lot more slowly than this National govt. Cigarettes may kill you thirty years down the track, but this govt destroys your hope and will to live every single day.