Lit Review - Tobacco Control Measures

1. Introduction

1.1 “James I of England initiated probably the first ‘tax for health reasons’ and raised tobacco tax 40-fold from 2 to 82 pence per pound, making tobacco more expensive than silver” (Townsend 1996, p.132). As a result of the increasing load on the National Health Service from tobacco related conditions, there is increasing pressure on Government to address the problem, by reducing the smoking habit of the nation. In its attempts to do this, the Government has introduced many new laws and regulations, as well as continually increasing the tax on tobacco, in order to reduce the sales of all tobacco products.

1.2 Even though the government wishes to reduce the consumption of tobacco, they have financially benefited from the sale of such products through the tax revenue generated. Part of this income is used to offset the health costs related to smoking. However, they have also invested public sector pension money into the tobacco industry to generate a greater return (The Belfast Telegraph, 2010)

1.3 The aim of this report is to gather and analyse information from a wide spectrum, covering all aspects of the issue. By using academic literature, Government and Tobacco Industry reports and figures, as well as information from other sources, I want to demonstrate the different perspectives on the actions taken and the resultant factors. Some of this data will agree with and some will challenge the different methods used by the Government and their effectiveness. The report will also consider any future changes to be made.

2. Have the laws and regulations introduced by the UK Government been effective in reducing the consumption of tobacco products, and how do they compare to other countries attempts?

2. 1 There is believed to be six cost effective control interventions, in relation to tobacco control, these being: Increases in prices of tobacco, for example. through tax, the ban of smoking in public places, wider availability of health...