Tobacco is the leading cause of preventable death in France with 78 deaths per year. The public authorities regularly put in place action plans to warn the population of the dangers of smoking. The latest initiative to date, the neutral package will arrive at tobacconists in 000.
The neutral package to fight against youth smoking
With their uniform olive-green color and identical shape, the neutral packets of cigarettes have neither a distinctive brand nor a promotional sign. Instead, 65% of the package's surface is filled with a shocking message to the consumer about the dangers of tobacco. This is twice as much as on current packages.
For the Ministry of Health, this measure aims to drastically reduce the marketing appeal of tobacco on young people aged 16 to 25, who represent 40% of regular smokers. Two national communication campaigns will also be launched on the radio and on the internet to raise awareness of all types of smokers. A collective challenge will even be launched so that the greatest number of smokers quit smoking in 30 days.
How effective for this new measure?
The implementation of the neutral package is part of a virulent fight against tobacco. Industrialists are masters in the art of lobbying and information management. The government is struggling to counter
their economic and marketing influence. Will this new measure be enough to reverse the balance of power?
The authorities recognize that the plain packet tested abroad did not have an effect on the decrease in cigarette consumption alone. But coupled with significant and systematic price increases, it would be an essential element in the fight against smoking, as recalled Pierre Rouzaud, doctor and president of the association Tabac et Liberté. It is this joint action that has ensured the success of similar measures in Australia.
Tips & Tricks
After Australia in 2012, France is the second country in the world to impose the neutral package. Ireland and Hungary could soon follow the example if it is successful. In Australia, the neutral package is coupled with an impressive price hike of 12,5% each year. A pack of cigarettes now costs the equivalent of € 15, and in 4 years, this price will have doubled again. In Australia, smoking has fallen by 15% in 4 years. And it's not over : the Australian state wants to go further by banning the sale of tobacco to under 25s.
Source : Boursorama.com
