Barbados moves to ban e-cigarettes in public

BRIDGETOWN, Barbados--It’s not just second-hand tobacco smoke that health officials in Barbados want to stop exposing the public to. Now, e-cigarettes are to be banned.

Parliament yesterday passed the Health Services (Amendment) Bill 2017 which adds e-cigarettes to products that people are forbidden to smoke in public.

An e-cigarette is a handheld electronic device that vaporises a flavoured liquid, which the user inhales. It is usually made of nicotine, propylene glycol, glycerine, and flavourings, although some e-liquids do not contain nicotine.

“The Ministry of Health will not support the report sometimes made that this product can be used as a cessation device and, on the contrary, it may be a forerunner to the use … of tobacco product,” Minister of Health John Boyce said as he introduced the amendment that also includes a ban on the sale of e-cigarettes to minors.

Minister of Commerce and Industry Donville Inniss, in his contribution to the debate, said it was time to regulate the use of these products.

“Over the years, there has been aggressive marketing by manufacturers who claim it is less harmful than cigarettes. Many jurisdictions have imposed heavy taxes on the traditional cigarettes. We have also prohibited the advertising of this, but the e-cigarette which around the world is yet to be regulated has been able to fly under the radar,” he noted.

Meanwhile, Minister Boyce also served notice that steps were being taken to have cigarette packaging graphically illustrate the harmful effects of smoking.

“The packaging and labelling of any tobacco product should not contain any information that is false, misleading, deceptive or likely to give erroneous information about its characteristics, health effects or hazards of the tobacco product,” he added. ~ Caribbean360 ~

Resource : https://thedailyherald.sx/regional/63221-barbados-moves-to-ban-e-cigarettes-in-public

Opinion: Preparing for 2017 in the E-Cigarette Category

Last year marked several milestones for the electronic-cigarette and vapor category. Most important, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) finalization of its deeming rule brought e-cigarettes and other previously unregulated tobacco products under the FDA’s jurisdiction and set critical requirements for manufacturers and retailers to keep products lawfully on the market and to operate in a regulated environment.

Also, state and local governments continued to enact local laws and regulations affecting the category, with a heavy focus on retailer registration and licensing, packaging and labeling requirements, flavor restrictions and tax.

Knowing the current requirements, those on the horizon and the opportunities to engage on regulations yet to come will be an important priority in the new year for everyone in the retail industry.
Prepare for a New Landscape

In August, the FDA asserted its regulatory authority over the e-cigarette and vapor category via its finalized deeming rule. This rule defines the landscape for the entire category today, in the next two years and beyond. This watershed change from regulators has some brass-tacks takeaways for the industry as a whole:

FDA review and approvals. The industry must prepare to navigate a new, lengthy process to obtain required FDA approval for any vapor product to remain on the market after August 2018. The process is a costly one, and applications must be prepared for each individual product at the SKU level. Any products for which an application has not been filed with the FDA as of Aug. 8, 2018, can no longer be sold.

Know who’s planning for compliance and who’s not. Compliance with the FDA means strong trade partnerships will matter more than ever for retailers selling vapor products. It is crucial for retailers to take stock of this new environment and partner with companies that are investing the time and resources to remain in the category over the long run. (Logic is taking all necessary steps to navigate and comply with this process for a robust portfolio of products.)

The silver lining: SKU management and growth opportunities. Despite the likely disruptions amid this transition, the changes are expected to bring some upside for retailers. The FDA has acknowledged this will lead to some consolidation in the industry, meaning fewer SKUs to manage for retailers and reliably higher-quality products for consumers. Suppliers who commit to building consumer trust and brand loyalty will create growth opportunities for retailers in a category that still projects considerable growth over the coming years.
Issues to Watch

At the local level, 2016 also saw many state and local governments enacting vapor product laws and regulations of their own. While the FDA’s new regulations provide the category with some uniformity, local governments have (and are expected to continue) enacted laws addressing taxation, product use in public places, age of sale, retailer registration and flavor restrictions, among others.

The result of this reality is a patchwork of regulation that can vary by state or even town, making it all the more important for retailers to establish trade partnerships that prioritize compliance and have an open dialogue about regulation.

At the same time for retailers, the saying “All politics is local” is extremely important. On many of these issues, participating in the debate as a local community member can help shape regulation into something that is more sensible to comply with. This is true whether the proposal is in the state legislature or your local city council. Logic supports our partners in retail and their engagement efforts to try to produce results that properly reflect the public interest and do not overburden businesses with costly, time-consuming regulation.

It’s clear that the landscape for vapor products in 2017 will be vastly different than in 2016 and continuously evolving. It is critical to retailers’ individual businesses to note and act on these changes and find e-cigarette partners who plan to comply and who also make responsibility a two-way street with retailers. Being proactive in compliance not only puts suppliers and retailers at the forefront to capitalize on the growth opportunities afforded in this newly regulated environment, but it also means potentially avoiding costly mistakes.

Kevin Roberts is director of regulatory affairs and communications for Logic Technology Development LLC. Reach him at kevin.roberts@logicecig.com.
Resource :  http://www.cspdailynews.com/print/csp-magazine/article/opinion-preparing-2017-e-cigarette-category

Tobacco Companies Target People Struggling With Mental Health

For years, tobacco has targeted African Americans, the LGBTQ community, people of lower socio-economic means and those with mental illness, for whom the smoking rate is higher than the national average according to truth initiative in partnership with the Centers For Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The thing is, mental illness is incredibly prevalent in these all three of these communities.

The tobacco industry has historically marketed cigarettes specifically to the seriously mentally ill — and has developed relationships with homeless shelters and advocacy groups to gain positive media coverage and political support — individuals struggling with mental health account for 44% to 46% of cigarettes sold in the United States, and the tobacco industry even funded research to show that persons with mental illness use nicotine to self-medicate.

“If they are focusing on a population who is currently feeling insecure and anxious about their safety given the scary political climate, they are capitalizing on their fear in more than one way. These are the populations who feel more marginalized and are more likely to feel relief from cigarettes and e-cigarettes, which are a huge thing for teen girls these days,” says psychotherapist Emily Roberts.

In the U.S., people living below the poverty level and who have lower levels of education have higher rates of cigarette smoking than the general population. Worrying about money is a big stressor for many, which is why it makes sense that cigarette smoking disproportionately affects the health of people with low Socio Economic Status (SES), and that those smokers statistically suffer more from diseases caused by smoking than do smokers with higher incomes.

“Tobacco companies often target their advertising campaigns toward low-income neighborhoods and communities, and researchers have found a higher density of tobacco retailers in low-income neighborhoods,” Truth said in a statement.

Additionally, LGBTQ young adults ages 18 to 24, are almost twice as likely to smoke as their straight and cisgender peers. Historically, we know that the marketing campaign, Project SCUM (Sub-Culture Urban Marketing), was created in the mid-1990s by a tobacco company to target LGBTQ and homeless populations.

Unfortunately, little information still exists on cigarette smoking prevalence among transgender people; however, this population is considered especially vulnerable because of high rates of substance abuse, depression, HIV infection, and social and employment discrimination, all of which are associated with higher smoking prevalence. More than 30,000 LGBTQ persons die each year of tobacco-related diseases, and industry documents show that tobacco companies were aware of high smoking rates among these communities, and marketing plans illustrate the companies’ efforts to exploit the LGBTQ market.

“When we feel afraid or scared our brains become wired to seek out pleasure and safety. Most of the teens I've been talking to in the past few months have been struggling to hold it together due to the new administration,” Roberts said. “Women and the LGBTQ community especially have higher anxiety levels, [because they] have been traumatized and/or feel a constant urge to be connected to the news. Why? Because their brains are signaling that they are not safe.”

Additionally, LGBTQ individuals are less likely to have health insurance than straight individuals, which may negatively affect health as well as access to cessation treatments, including counseling and medication, and high rates of tobacco use within the LGBTQ community are due in part to the aggressive marketing by tobacco companies that sponsor events, bar promotions, giveaways, and advertisements.

We often hear that people smoke more when they're stressed, but studies have found that while nicotine may make you think you’re de-stressing, it actually increases your heart rate, tenses your muscles, and decreases the amount of oxygen to your brain, which could be utilized to effectively think things through or utilize healthier coping skills. In other words, it actually makes you more stressed, physically.

Scientifically, Roberts says, it makes sense that these groups would smoke more when they are feeling “stressed.” When we are stuck in fear-based thinking, our brain feels traumatized and seeks pleasure, and that's what the neurotransmitter dopamine does — and, smoking is a quick release of dopamine.

“This is why smoking occurs; it’s a release of dopamine instantly. Dopamine is a chemical produced in the brain which has been associated with pleasure and reward, and as it is released when smoking tobacco, it is thought that this part of the reason for the addictive nature of smoking,” Roberts says.

Tobacco companies have historically placed larger amounts of advertising in African American publications, exposing African Americans to more cigarette ads than white people, and use price promotions such as discounts and multi-pack coupons — which are most often used by African Americans and other minority groups, women, and young people — to increase sales. Additionally, areas with large racial/ethnic minority populations tend to have more tobacco retailers located within them, which contributes to greater tobacco advertising exposure.

In 2014, among middle and high school students, it was found that 70.5% of African American smokers use menthol cigarettes, compared to 51.4% of White smokers and 52.3% of Hispanic smokers, which is why menthol products are given more shelf space in retail outlets within African American and other minority neighborhoods.

“In general, cultural notions and habits condition how we think and act in ways we are not always conscious about,” said Dr. Maria Bruce. “In some cultures, seeing a therapist or asking for help is seen as a sign of weakness or a source of shame, so people utilize the coping tools they see others frequently using in their surroundings, and not always take the time to analyze if they are actually positive or effective for them.”

Resource :  http://www.teenvogue.com/story/tobacco-companies-target-people-struggling-with-mental-health

One-third of cigarettes sold in Ontario are contraband: study

TORONTO — A new study suggests nearly a third of cigarettes sold in Ontario are purchased illegally.

The National Coalition Against Contraband Tobacco commissioned research that tracked the cigarette-buying habits of people in Ontario.

The study found 32 per cent of respondents purchased contraband cigarettes, a figure that the coalition says is the highest in the country.

They say contraband purchases are most common in northern Ontario, where more than half the respondents — 51 per cent — reported buying illegal cigarettes.

They say the province needs to implement stronger enforcement measures to clamp down on the trade, which they say supports organized crime.

The online poll surveyed 1,500 adult Ontario smokers over 12 weeks ending on December 10, 2016. The polling industry’s professional body, the Marketing Research and Intelligence Association, says online surveys cannot be assigned a margin of error because they do not randomly sample the population.

The coalition — an advocacy group formed with the participation of businesses, individuals and organizations that include the Canadian Convenience Stores Association, the Retail Council of Canada and the Canadian Tobacco Manufacturers Council — said Ontario’s contraband cigarette market has remained constant for years even as other provinces have taken action to curb the problem.

Coalition spokesman Gary Grant cited Quebec as the most striking example, saying legislation that gave local law enforcement agencies more power to tackle the illegal tobacco trade cut contraband cigarette purchases in half.

“There is no reason to accept high contraband tobacco rates as a given,” Grant said in a statement. “Clearly, this is a problem that will not go away on its own. It is also clear that meaningful anti-contraband tobacco measures can reduce illegal cigarette incidence.”

The coalition’s figures align with those released by the Macdonald-Laurier Institute for Public Policy last year.

The think tank’s study combed through a number of public data sources, including tax revenue and trade figures, and estimated that illegal sales made up about a third of Ontario’s tobacco market.

Researcher Christian Leuprecht, who is also a professor at Queen’s University, estimated those sales cost Ontario up to $1 billion in revenue annually, accounting for a third of the roughly $3 billion Canada as a whole loses to contraband sales.

Leuprecht also praised Quebec’s efforts to crack down on illegal activity, saying recovered tax revenue gives the province a nearly 16-fold return on the money they’ve spent to implement their enforcement measures.

The illegal trade in the province was even greater than Ontario’s about 15 years ago, he said, adding that it has now fallen by 50 per cent while Ontario’s has stayed put.

But he cautioned against over simplifying the issue, saying any solution would have to account for the province’s legal tobacco growers and indigenous communities involved in the trade.

“I’m trying to avoid the inference that Ontario just needs to do what Quebec did,” he said. “Yes, Ontario needs to do what Quebec did, but Ontario needs to combine that with a whole series of other policy measures for that to be effective.”

A spokesman for Ontario’s finance ministry said the provincial government is committed to addressing contraband tobacco through “a balanced approach of partnerships and compliance activities,” including the establishment of a contraband tobacco enforcement unit within the Ontario Provincial Police and an ongoing dialogue with First Nation communities on the self-regulation of tobacco on-reserve and revenue sharing.

The provincial police force and the RCMP did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

The National Coalition Against Contraband Tobacco said most of Canada’s contraband smokes come from about 50 factories based primarily in Ontario and Quebec.

Ontario has also taken measures targeting smokers in the past, raising cigarette taxes by about $3 a carton in last year’s provincial budget.

But the coalition has historically decried such an approach, saying higher prices drive people towards the black market and only fuel the problem.

An RCMP estimate suggests at least 175 organized crime groups dabble in the contraband tobacco trade and use proceeds to fund other enterprises such as drugs and human smuggling.
Filed under:

Resource :  http://www.macleans.ca/news/one-third-of-cigarettes-sold-in-ontario-are-contraband-study/

Warren PD: Thief filled bag with cigarettes after breaking into store

Police said the person stole $180 in cigarettes but didn't take any money from Pit Stop Food Mart on Elm Road in Warren

WARREN, Ohio (WKBN) – Police said someone broke into a Warren convenient store and stole numerous packs of cigarettes.

An employee arrived Sunday morning to open Pit Stop Food Mart on Elm Road.

When she walked in, she noticed several packs of cigarettes on the floor behind the counter. She also saw that a garage door window was shattered.

After reviewing security camera footage, police said the thief threw a brick through the window to get inside around 2 a.m.

It shows the thief fill a bag with packs of cigarettes before jumping back through the window, officers said.

They stole about $180 worth of cigarettes but didn’t take any money, according to a police report.

Police said the thief was wearing a dark gray hoodie, gray pants, and black gloves at the time.

Resource :   http://wkbn.com/2017/01/23/warren-pd-thief-filled-bag-with-cigarettes-after-breaking-into-store/

Miami County Sheriff’s Office reports

JAIL INCIDENT: A deputy was advised by Sgt. Coates of an assault that occurred on January 10 at the downtown jail. He said inmate Jones had assaulted inmate Arnett. Officers Bonner and Burdiss had written reports documenting the incident.

The deputy spoke with inmate Jones. He said inmate Arnett was trying to run their cellblock. He said he was disrespectful to the other inmates as well as the Corrections staff. On this date inmate Arnett was again trying to run the cellblock and was running his mouth. Inmate Jones admitting to punching inmate Arnett a couple of times in the back of the head. The deputy advised inmate Jones he would be charged with assault. He was cooperative and said he understood.

The deputy spoke with inmate Arnett. He had a small cut on his forehead. The deputy asked about the incident. He said he did not know what he was talking about. He said he did not want to fill out a statement or talk to the officer.

SUSPICIOUS: A deputy responded to the 6900 block of Karns Road, Union Twp. on a report of suspicious priority. The deputy spoke to the home owner who stated that he had came home and found someone asleep on his couch. After investigation it was found to be an intoxicated female who was the neighbor. The homeowner stated that he did not want to press charges after finding out who it was. The female was transported to her residence and released.

Jan. 12

OVERDOSE: A deputy was dispatched to assist Piqua Medic on a possible drug overdose in the 8000 block of Dixie drive, Springcreek Twp.

TRESPASSING: A deputy was informed by the Miami County Park District that someone had driven in a restricted area causing damage to the grass trails in the 2000 block of State Route 41, Staunton Twp.

WARRANT: A warrant was served for a probation violation in the 100 block of Walnut Street, Ludlow Falls.

Jan. 13

OVI: A deputy viewed a black GMC pickup truck traveling north on Wayne Street, in Piqua, make a marked lanes violation. The deputy activated the overhead lights and initiated a traffic stop near the intersection of Riverside and North Downing in Piqua. At the conclusion of the stop the driver was placed under arrest for OVI, and the passenger was given a ride home by Piqua Police Department.

OVI:Troy PD was dispatched to Fricker’s on a disturbance where the suspect had assaulted a worker and just left the business. A description of the suspect’s vehicle was given along with the Ohio registration number. While on another stop, I observed the vehicle pass the deputy’s location and proceed southbound on Interstate 75. The deputy cleared the stop and was able to catch up the suspect vehicle on southbound 75 near the 70 mile marker. At the request of Troy PD the vehicle was stopped at the 69 mile marker exit ramp. After further investigation, the driver was arrested for OVI and drug paraphernalia. Troy PD also had a charge of assault. The driver was incarcerated in the Miami County Jail on these charges.

POSSESSION: A deputy initiated a traffic stop on the listed vehicle and driver for failing to use a turn signal while turning in to the Motel 6 parking lot on Dorset in the city of Troy.

The driver was subsequently cited for the traffic violation and driving under suspension and for being in possession of a schedule IV controlled substance.

COUNTERFEIT CASH: A resident in the 7000 block of N. Bollinger Road, Conover, reported selling property to an unknown subject and received counterfeit money.

TRESPASSING ISSUE: A deputy was informed by a reporting party that over the past several weeks there has been a lot of four wheeler traffic trespassing on land that is owned by her family in the area of the Merrimont subdivision. The owner stated that no one has permission to be on the property and there are no trespassing signs posted at every entrance and exit to the land. She stated that she has been in contact with the Concord Township trustee, Neil Rhoades, who believes the suspects live on a property which backs up to the Merrimont land. The reporting party stated she has spoken with the local contractors who are currently building homes on some of that land and they stated they have lost sales already due to the trespassing. The deputy attempted to make contact with the suspects, but was not successful. The deputy walked the land with the reporting party and confirmed that signs are posted in numerous areas. She is asking for anyone who is on the property to be charged with trespassing.

ASSAULT:A deputy charged one juvenile female with assault following an incident involving juveniles. The female suspect was charged with assault after she poured a liquid mixture, allegedly containing urine and feces and vinegar, on the face of a juvenile male. Several other juveniles witnessed the incident which occurred in the 300 block of Main Street, in Pleasant Hill.

Jan. 14

JAIL INCIDENT: A deputy responded to an assault between inmates at the Miami County Jail. Jail staff informed the deputy that a physical altercation had occurred between two inmates, Daniel East and Justin Hoskins.

The pair did not want to press charges. East advised that the two of them were just wrestling around and it got out of hand. East had a visual lump on the left side of his forehead, but advised he did not want charges filed, nor give a written statement as he and Hoskins are good friends. Hoskins confirmed the same story, stating the two were wrestling around and it got out of hand. He also confirmed that the two are good friends and did not want any charges filed, nor give a written statement.

WARRANT: Deputies located Aaron Griffieth at 716 S. Crawford Street in Troy Ohio. Mr. Griffieth had a warrant out of Miami County which was verified by the Miami County Jail. Mr. Griffieth was taken into custody and during our investigation Mr. Griffieth was found in be in possession of Xanax. Mr. Griffieth was transported to the Miami County Incarceration Facility where he was booked in on the warrant and possession of drugs.

Jan. 15

CONVEYANCE: Miami County Sheriff Office Jail advised they need a prisoner transport to Upper Valley Medical Center. While at the Miami County Jail, corrections officers advised an inmate had conveyed drugs in his rectum and possibly swallowed some capsules containing fentanyl. Inmate is a Michael Sousa. The deputy transported Sousa to the Upper Valley Medical Center, where he was medical and mentally evaluated. After being cleared Sousa was transported back to the jail. Officers recovered the syringe and plastic from the cell, Sousa was located before the transport. The deputy booked the evidence into the Miami County Sheriff Office evidence locker. Sousa will be charged with conveying.

ACID TRIP: A deputy responded to the 7500 block of Rangeline Road, Covington, on an unruly juvenile complaint. After investigation two juveniles were found and transported by squad to Upper Valley Medical Center for an overdose on acid.

OVI: The listed vehicle was stopped for several moving violations at Polecat and Piqua-Troy Road. At the conclusion of the investigation, the driver was arrested for suspicion of OVI and possession of heroin, and conveyance.

POSSESSION: A deputy conducted a traffic stop on the listed vehicle from crossing the center line on N. County Road 25A near Harrison Street in Troy Ohio. After further investigation the odor of marijuana was detected and a search of the vehicle yielded a marijuana grinder. The driver was cited for lanes of travel and for possessing drug paraphernalia and then released from the scene.

Jan. 16

TRESPASSING: A deputy responded to the 1600 block of Monroe-Concord Road in reference a trespassing complaint. The homeowner stated someone is driving on his property to gain access to the back side of John A. Wannemacher Park.

PROPERTY DAMAGE: A resident in the 3000 block of State Route 571, West Milton, called to report an unknown person(s) did a 360 in his front yard, leaving damage.

The reporting party stated he has video footage of the incident.

SIGNS SHOT: A deputy was attending the Staunton Twp. meeting. Trustees reported three stop signs had been shot at the intersection of Springcreek Stringtown Road and Rusk Road. There are no suspects in this case.

Resource : https://tdn-net.com/news/crime/police-blotter/18445/miami-county-sheriffs-office-reports-87

Late-night shooting at midtown Tucson hookah lounge

Two men were injured after multiple gunshots were fired late Friday night outside a midtown hookah lounge.

Tucson police said a group of people tried to enter the Moonlight Hookah Lounge, 4509 E. 22nd St., around 2:30 a.m., but were denied entry. The group went back to the parking lot where an altercation unfolded.

Multiple gunshots were fired and two men were hit, police said. One of the men was shot multiple times and suffered life-threatening injuries. The other victim suffered non-life-threatening injuries from a single gunshot wound. Both were taken by friends to a nearby hospital.

No suspects are in custody. Witnesses fled the scene before police arrived. Police are asking anyone with information about the shooting to call 88-CRIME
Resource :http://tucson.com/news/local/crime/late-night-shooting-at-midtown-tucson-hookah-lounge/article_543e6ebc-cfb2-11e6-936d-abb02f8cd27b.html

Non-Smoking Week Brings Impacts of Tobacco to Light

Whether it is a resolution, or a long-awaited attempt, quitting smoking is in the spotlight.

It is National Non-Smoking Week from January 15-21.

Not only is smoking a difficult habit to kick, it also brings many negative impacts to the body.

"Cigarette smoking harms nearly every organ in the body. It causes many diseases and reduces the health of smokers in general," explained Tobacco Cessation Counsellor with the Saskatoon Health Region, Mary-Lynn Isaak. "All forms of tobacco - cigars, cigarettes, hookah pipes, even chew tobacco have negative effects, such as heart disease, stroke, lung cancer, COPD."

Isaak notes that the region offers many ways to assist in ditching tobacco.

"We have a program that provides individual counselling in person or by phone," she said. "Throughout the year, we also have drop-in workshops for people 18 years and older who are actually just thinking of quitting. It provides them with information and resources."

The number to call for counselling is 306-655-7777. Isaak added that Smokers' Helpline is also an excellent resource for information and services. That number is 1-877-513-5333.

For those who are looking to attempt to crack down on a self-help basis, Isaak says there are four important things to do.

"The biggest thing is to remember the four D's. Drinking water, delaying having that cigarette, deep breathing and distracting your mind from the craving," she said. "What you need to be looking at is craving and stress management. Perhaps looking at medications that are available by prescription - that would be Chantix or Zyban."

Isaak says there is also nicotine replacement therapy, which provides you with nicotine - the drug that gets you addicted to smoking - in a less harmful manner.

More information locally on addiction services can be obtained by calling the line at the Humboldt District Health Complex, 306-682-5333.
Resource :https://www.discoverhumboldt.com/local/12419-non-smoking-week-brings-impacts-of-tobacco-to-light

Instagram documents rising hookah use in social settings

USC study captures the social and environmental context in which individuals use, and are marketed, hookah-related products 

  Social media is giving researchers insight into the rising use of hookah, according to a study from USC.

Hookah, smoked through a water pipe and also known as shisha, has harmful health effects similar to cigarettes. But as cigarette use declined between 2005 and 2015 in the United States, hookah use increased.

Investigators from the Keck School of Medicine of USC analyzed Instagram to capture and document the social and environmental context in which individuals use, and are marketed, hookah-related products.

“By focusing on social media data, we can quickly discover emerging problems posed to public health, directly observing what the public is experiencing, doing and thinking almost in real-time,” said postdoctoral fellow Jon-Patrick Allem, who led the study with research scientist Kar-Hai Chu.

Hookah on social media

 The study, published Jan. 11 in Nicotine & Tobacco Research, describes how the researchers analyzed posts on Instagram between Feb. 19 and May 19, 2016, by combining the hashtag #hookah with a geo-location inside the contiguous U.S.

Their analysis of more than 5,000 posts determined overarching themes within the images. More than a third were promotional material for hookah lounges, restaurants, bars and nightclubs, while a quarter depicted people lounging and using a hookah. Other themes included photos of a person blowing smoke or of stylized pipes.

Hookah promotion on social media was not surprising, said Jennifer Unger, co-author and USC professor of preventive medicine. However a third of the images showcased or referenced alcohol, suggesting nightlife entertainment regularly depicts, and promotes, using multiple substances — “a clear justification for a public health response.”

“Instagram’s focus on images facilitates picture-based advertising where hookah lounges promote drink specials at the same time nightclubs promote hookah specials,” Chu said. “Our findings could be of great importance to public health as tobacco use facilitates greater intake of alcohol and vice versa.”
A public health response

Researchers did not find promotional material discouraging hookah use in their data.

“Instagram users may see pictures of their friends and family enjoying themselves in social settings where hookah use is a focus,” said Tess Boley Cruz, co-author and assistant professor. “Given the potential diffusion of such images through social media, it will be important for tobacco control researchers to develop programs to combat the positive imagery, and potential normalization, of hookah use on Instagram.”

The study raises concern about particular U.S. tobacco control laws, which allow hookah to be used inside certain establishments.

“The removal of policy exceptions in the U.S. would likely prevent hookah use from being part of nightlife promotion and entertainment in the future,” Allem said.

The research was funded by the National Cancer Institute and the FDA Center for Tobacco Products (Grant #P50CA180905).

Resource : http://news.usc.edu/115016/instagram-documents-rising-hookah-use-in-social-settings/

Illegal hookah parlours, restaurants razed

 The officials finally woke up to unauthorised eateries and hookah centres operating on roof-tops in upmarket areas.

The town planning wing of the GHMC (Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation) on Tuesday demolished six commercial establishments, some of which were popular hang-outs, in Jubilee Hills and Banjara Hills citing lack of permission for the constructed portions. Action was taken against Moksh near Jubilee Hills check post, The Earth Cafe on Road No. 36, Jubilee Hills, Vue lounge, Sawa Cafe, OCD and Water in Banjara Hills. Almost all the places that were demolished were known for serving hookahs and frequented by youngsters.

Some of these hookah centres were open to public for years without much action from the authorities. Armed with Traffic and local police officials as well as task force, the GHMC officials in the day-long exercise razed the structures in the six places.

“We had served them notices last month and also a few days back. Since these are unauthorised structures, we demolished them. They had constructed and operated the hookah parlours without valid permissions,” informed Assistant City Planner, Jagan Mohan.

When quizzed on why the officials had not taken action against at least two eateries which have been operating since more than two years, Mr. Mohan said that they were not aware of the violations all this while.

The officials had identified six more unauthorised hookah centres in Jubilee Hills and Banjara Hills but could not go ahead with the demolition drive.

The authorities learnt that three centres were embroiled in court cases, while managements of the other three joints had applied for BRS (Building Regulation Scheme).

According to the officials, a recent meeting between senior GHMC officials and city police officers had prompted the swift action from the authorities.

The police officials had informed that these open air centres were serving hookah illegally and criminal cases were being booked against the managements as they were receiving frequent complaints following which, the GHMC took a serious view of the issue.

Resource : http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Hyderabad/Illegal-hookah-parlours-restaurants-razed/article17052302.ece

Tobacco ban: Activists say plug loopholes, implement without fear

Gutkha was banned in Karnataka on 31st May 2013 coinciding with ‘World no tobacco day’. But chewing tobacco resurfaced in the market in the form of twin sachets in which one packet contained raw tobacco and the other contained flavours.  The consumer was sold both the pouches together to enable him/her to mix the contents and consume. This aggressive marketing strategy by the tobacco industry became possible by exploiting the wordings/ legal loophole in the Notification issued by the Commissioner of Food Safety in October 2016.  Under section 2.3.4 of the Food Safety and Regulation (Prohibition) Act 2011 “nicotine cannot be part of a food product”.  Some states have already banned such new variants of ghutka (in twin pouches) by issuing orders banning “all forms of chewing tobacco products”.

 Understanding this loophole the then Union Health Minister and Health Secretary had written between 2013 – 2014 to all the Chief Ministers and the Chief Secretaries to ban all forms of chewing tobacco. In Karnataka in fact on 6th November 2014 UT Khader the then Minister for Health and Family Welfare had in principle agreed to ban all forms of chewing tobacco products in Karnataka but the matter was referred to the cabinet and the same was kept on the back burner until the Supreme Court intervened and advised states to take action in this regard. Karnataka finally obeyed the SC order by issuing an administrative order to this effect on the 26th of October 2016 banning all forms of chewing tobacco throughout the State. According to media reports, Government is rethinking on revising this order due to a representation given by a tobacco manufacturer.

Therefore, Government of Karnataka should not buckle under pressure of vested interests, take immediate action to plug the loopholes in the Government Order/Notification based on orders of Supreme Court and also orders issued by other States and keeping in mind the deadly effect of consuming non-smoke/chewing tobacco on the health of millions of families of low, middle class and also rich and famous people addicted to variants of Ghutka based on Supreme Court Order and also orders issued by other States of the Union of India.

Tobacco Activists are concerned that any revision must not be detrimental to the ban already passed in 2013.  Government of Karnataka must also keep in mind, in a holistic manner, the Directive Principles of the Constitution of India, which direct the State to raise the level of nutrition and the standard of living and to improve public health as among its primary duties and, in particular, the State shall endeavour to bring about proper control over such products that are injurious to health of the people.

One in three adults (28.2%) in Karnataka consumes one or the other form of tobacco. Hence large parts of the population are facing a risk of serious ill health like cancer, heart attacks and TB which are preventable. These figures are alarmingly high and clearly pose a huge risk to public health in the state. Tobacco has been shown to act as a gateway to reduce hunger as these are very affordable and easily available at all locations. Children who get initiated to tobacco usage at a young age are more likely to experiment illicit drugs and get addicted to them.  Invariably children with lower socio-economic backgrounds commonly use chewing tobacco products and their prolonged use of these harmful products leads to several precancerous and cancerous lesions of the oral cavity which are increasingly seen in our youth.

Resource :http://citytoday.news/tobacco-ban-activists-say-plug-loopholes-implement-without-fear/

 

Anti-tobacco activists call for complete ban on gutka in Karnataka

The city-based Anti-Tobacco Forum (ATF) and Cancer Patients’ Aid Association on Tuesday urged the State government to remove the ambiguity in its notification on chewing tobacco and implement the ban on gutka effectively.

Gutka was banned in Karnataka on May 31, 2013, coinciding with ‘World No Tobacco Day’. But chewing tobacco resurfaced in the market in the form of twin sachets in which one packet contained raw tobacco and the other contained flavours, said Vasanthkumar Mysoremath, convener of ATF.

He said the consumer is sold both pouches together so that they can be mixed and consumed. “This strategy by the tobacco industry became possible because of the wording/loophole in the notification issued by the Commissioner of Food Safety in October 2016,” Mr. Mysoremath said in a press release.

Under Section 2.3.4 of the Food Safety and Regulation (Prohibition) Act ,2011, nicotine cannot be part of a food product, he explained. Some States have already banned such new variants of gutka by issuing orders banning all forms of chewing tobacco products, he said.

The Union Health Ministry had told the Chief Ministers and the Chief Secretaries of all the States to ban all forms of chewing tobacco. Karnataka issued an order to this effect in October last year. “However, some reports in the press say the State government has been thinking about revising this order. Instead, the government should take immediate action to plug the loopholes in the order,” Mr. Mysoremath said.

Anti-tobacco activists are concerned that any revision would be detrimental to the ban already passed in 2013, he added.

Resource :http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/karnataka/Anti-tobacco-activists-call-for-complete-ban-on-gutka-in-Karnataka/article17019061.ece

Why getting farmers to switch from tobacco crops is a struggle

Crop diversification in the world's top tobacco producers can lower smoking rates in low-income countries, but infrastructure limitations and industry subsidies make it a hard pitch to sell to farmers, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).

Ninety percent of tobacco is grown within low and middle income countries (LMICs), where four in five smokers live, the WHO outlined in a new report released on Tuesday. More than 40 percent of the world's tobacco is produced in China alone, while Brazil, Argentina, Bangladesh, Malawi and Zimbabwe are among the other top producers. About half of all smokers live in either Southeast Asia or the Western Pacific region, the WHO said.

 An indigenous woman works at a tobacco field near the Sangu River at Thanchi on January 2, 2017 in Bandarban, Bangladesh. Tobacco cultivation has been found to destroy soil fertility and groundwater resources.

Tobacco kills up to half of its users, resulting in 6 million deaths a year, according to WHO data. More than 5 million of those are the result of direct tobacco use while over 600 000 are non-smokers being exposed to second-hand smoke.

"There is a consensus that helping small farmers switch from tobacco to alternative crops can be a useful part of sustainable local economic development programs and can help overcome barriers to adopting and implementing strong tobacco control policies."

However, there remain several obstacles to replacing tobacco farms.

"The global trend toward reducing or eliminating tobacco subsidies and price supports in high-income countries (HICs) has significantly affected international production and trade patterns. Production has dropped in the U.S. and Canada that have phased out price supports and traditional producing members of the European Union, such as Greece and Italy," the report said.

As a result of declining production of good quality leaves in HICs, producers in LMICs have improved the quality of leaf they grow and have received increased farm gate prices.

  "Recent trends in the organization of the tobacco leaf production and marketing chain, including use of integrated production systems, has expanded these multinational corporations' control over price and other factors while making farmers increasingly dependent."

The labor-intensive process of tobacco farming provides income to millions of families in producing countries. Once growing and manufacturing are finished in LMICs, the higher phases of the value chain then move to multinational tobacco companies that are largely based in high-income countries, the report explained.

State subsidies for the tobacco-growing sector within LMICs are also high, unlike in HICs where assistance is reduced or eliminated.

But perhaps the biggest hindrance to crop substitution is geography.

Many of the substitute crops that can be as profitable as tobacco, including sweet potatoes and zucchini, require investments in infrastructure, and tend to be highly specific to a country, the WHO report said.

"Tobacco is an expensive crop to grow, but so too are most high-value alternative crops. Building new, and hopefully better, support systems for other crops is a clear challenge for diversification programs. It will take time for these systems to emerge, and any successful transition from tobacco will likely be a gradual process."

The WHO found higher taxes and prices on tobacco products remain the single most consistent means to reduce global tobacco use. But tax administration can be challenging for LMICs with limited resources, it added.
Resource : http://www.cnbc.com/2017/01/10/why-getting-farmers-to-switch-from-tobacco-crops-is-a-struggle.html

AG trying again to raise tobacco purchase age to 21

OLYMPIA, Wash.- Washington's Attorney General is going to make another attempt at raising the tobacco purchase age to 21.

Democrat Bob Ferguson backed similar legislation the last two sessions. Those bills did not pass.

Under his proposal, only those 21 and over would be allowed to buy tobacco or vaping liquids. Current law requires tobacco purchasers to be over 18.

"Hopefully the third time is a charm," said Ferguson, who said he has the support of health advocates, businesses and Governor Jay Inslee, D-Washington.

Eliminating sales under 21 would result in $16 million in lost tax revenue over the next two years, according to the governor's budget writers. Ferguson said that factor played a role in the bill dying the last two years.

Critics also defended the rights of those over 18 to buy tobacco products. Sen. Michael Baumgartner, R-Spokane, said if someone is old enough to go to war, they should be able to buy cigarettes.

Ferguson said raising the limit will prevent teens from starting smoking as adults.

"It will save lives," said Ferguson.

Copyright 2016 KING

Resource : http://www.king5.com/news/local/olympia/ag-trying-again-to-raise-tobacco-purchase-age-to-21/384857871

 

FDA Targets Tobacco Products Claims

• Pursuant to Section 201(rr) of the Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act, as amended by the Tobacco Control Act, a “tobacco product” is any product made or derived from tobacco intended for human consumption, but excludes drugs, devices, and combination (drug-device) products. A product is a drug, device, or combination product if it is intended to diagnose, cure, mitigate, treat or prevent disease, or if it affects the structure or function of the body (and is not a food).
• On January 9, 2017, FDA published a final rule entitled, Clarification of When Products Made or Derived From Tobacco Are Regulated as Drugs, Devices, or Combination Products; Amendments to Regulations Regarding “Intended Uses.” The rule reiterates that a product made or derived from tobacco will be subject to FDA’s drug authority, and not its tobacco authority, if it is intended (a) for use in the diagnosis of disease or other conditions, or in the cure, mitigation, treatment or prevention of disease, including use in the cure or treatment of nicotine addiction (e.g., smoking cessation), relapse prevention, or relief of nicotine withdrawal symptoms; or (b) to affect the structure or any function of the body in any way that is different from effects related to nicotine that were commonly and legally claimed in the marketing of cigarettes and smokeless tobacco products prior to March 21, 2000.
• In our view, this new rule suggests that FDA intends to pursue e-vapor companies making what it perceives to be disease (smoking cessation) or structure/function claims much more aggressively.

© 2017 Keller and Heckman LLP 

Resource :   http://www.natlawreview.com/article/fda-targets-tobacco-products-claims

Grandad's €3,000 tobacco theft forced shop to close down

A Grandfather's theft of more than €3,000 worth of cigarettes from a shop caused it to go out of business, a court heard.

John O'Keeffe (56) maintained he was under pressure to financially support his four grandchildren when he took the goods just after they had been delivered.

O'Keeffe pleaded guilty to stealing the property at Daybreak, Harmonstown, on Nov- ember 18, 2015.

He paid €1,000 in compensation, but Judge Bryan Smyth said he would have to come up with the full amount to avoid jail and adjourned the case.

Gda Desmond McNally told Dublin District Court that the accused entered the shop and took a box of tobacco products while they were still on a trolley after a delivery had taken place.

O'Keeffe, from Portland Place, Dublin 1, was identified from CCTV footage and later arrested.

The goods, valued at €3,353, were never recovered.

The court heard that O'Keeffe had 34 previous convictions, going back to the 1980s.

Opportunity

He was given a suspended sentence last year for his most recent conviction.

Defence solicitor Noelle Kenny told the court that O'Keeffe had been under significant financial pressure when he carried out the theft.

"He saw this opportunity and took advantage of it," she said of the theft.

O'Keeffe was in receipt of social welfare and was supporting his wife, their daughter and four grandchildren.

Ms Kenny explained that O'Keeffe's daughter had health issues and he felt financially responsible for her children.

It would take him some time to come up with the compensation and he was not sure if he would be able to pay the full amount, but he would "endeavour to do so", Ms Kenny said.

O'Keeffe had €1,000 in court and this was handed over to the victim, Jeevan Murthygowda, who said he had been unable to pay wholesalers and closed last March.

Judge Smyth said O'Keeffe would have to pay compensation in full and adjourned the case, remanding the defendant on continuing bail.
Resource :
http://www.herald.ie/news/courts/grandads-3000-tobacco-theft-forced-shop-to-close-down-35358648.html

Tobacco prevention program on chopping block

 Lawmakers will hold a hearing today on whether to move forward with a budget proposal from former Gov. Jack Dalrymple to cut a tobacco prevention program.

North Dakota Center for Tobacco Prevention and Control Policy, or BreatheND, is a small, state agency created in 2008 after voters approved a measure to use a percentage of the state’s tobacco settlement fund for a comprehensive tobacco prevention program.

BreatheND uses more than 20 percent of the tobacco settlement — an agreement states reached with big tobacco companies in 1998 — for a prevention program. Now, the center is on the verge of being eliminated.
“BreatheND is under attack. We’re here today because of that," said Executive Director Jeanne Prom, who held a press conference Tuesday in the atrium of the judicial wing inside the state Capitol.

The center touts cutting youth smoking rates in half since 2008 — from 22.4 percent to 11.7 percent in 2015. Likewise, adult smoking rates have fallen from 21.9 percent in 2011 to 18.7 percent in 2015.
In his final budget address in early December, Dalrymple recommended to do away with the agency and return tobacco prevention and cessation programs to the state Dakota Department of Health. This move caught Prom by surprise.

“It makes no sense to change course when we’re on a successful path," said Prom, adding she hopes the center can continue to bring youth smoking rates down to the low single-digits.
BreatheND works with local public health units to reduce tobacco use, with about 83 percent of its budget going out in grants and contracts, Prom said.

On Tuesday, several health professionals and community members advocated to fully fund the prevention agency.
“It does not make sense to eliminate a successful program like this," said John Warford, a Bismarck orthodontist who is on the agency's board of directors.
Warford also served as Bismarck mayor from 2002 to 2014 and worked with BreatheND to develop a smoke-free ordinance that included bars in the city.

Sommer Wilmeth, a senior at Century High School and member of the school's Students Against Destructive Decisions, spoke about the need for continued tobacco awareness and prevention efforts through BreatheND, primarily to combat the increasing use of e-cigarettes among teens.
"When walking from my car to school in the morning before class, I can say on an average day I see five to 10 classmates vaping in their cars," Wilmeth said.

Prom said, while the she acknowledges that the state is in a "different general fund situation," the center can help save the state money through reduced tobacco use.
However, some lawmakers claim the center is duplicative of the state Health Department's tobacco prevention efforts, a claim Prom disputes, stating the agency works closely with the Health Department and other agencies to make sure there's no overlap.

“It’s been no secret that we thought there was too much duplication on that from a legislative perspective," said House Majority Leader Al Carlson, R-Fargo. “We’re not going to stop (tobacco cessation and prevention), it’s just a matter of looking at whether we can move it back to the health department or what the best way to handle it is.”
The proposal to defund BreatheND will be heard at 1:30 p.m. today at a Senate Appropriations Committee meeting at the state Capitol.

"The Health Department, I think, is the proper agency to perform the duties because they were doing tobacco prevention before this (center) came forth," said Sen. Ray Holmberg, R-Grand Forks, chairman of Senate Appropriations Committee.

In 2008, Holmberg said the purpose of creating BreatheND was to "spend the money they got, but they’ve been banking it for years so they could continue with their jobs."

(Reach Blair Emerson at 701-250-8251 or Blair.Emerson@bismarcktribune.com)

Resource :  http://bismarcktribune.com/news/local/health/tobacco-prevention-program-on-chopping-block/article_2be43b93-6058-5933-89c6-feb6e5dc843c.html