THE HAGUE (AFP) – The Dutch government vowed Friday to change the law to keep bars smoke free after it suffered two successive defeats in court against bar owners challenging a smoking ban. A cabinet statement said the government would introduce changes to legislation in order to make sure that “a uniform obligation” applied to all. Dutch bar owners won two victories earlier this year in their fight against a smoking ban on their ... Jump to full article >>

The evidence that cigarette prices and adverts affect young smokers is terribly weak. The government needs to base policy on evidence, not dogma. Tobacco policy currently rests on two claims: tobacco advertising and promotion are the major reasons why young people begin to smoke; and young people are particularly sensitive to the price of cigarettes. From these two claims follow the central elements of tobacco policy, namely that all forms of ... Jump to full article >>

In the new world of big tobacco, Altria (NYSE: MO) seems to be marching to the beat of its own drummer. Reynolds American (NYSE: RAI) and Lorillard (NYSE: LO) have joined forces to continue their fight with the government over increased tobacco regulation. Last week, the dynamic duo launched a lawsuit questioning the free speech (i.e., advertising) ramifications of FDA control over the tobacco industry. Kissing cousin Philip Morris International ... Jump to full article >>

RALEIGH – United States Attorney George E.B. Holding announced that in federal court today DENNIS WRAY HAWLEY, 62, of Wilson, North Carolina, pled guilty before United States District Judge James C. Dever, III, to two counts, charged in a Criminal Information filed on July 16, 2009, of aiding and abetting the making of materially false statements in connection with the Federal Crop Insurance Program, in violation of Title 18, United State ... Jump to full article >>

Mr M. Lipton (Lab.) asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster in the House of Commons yesterday what action he would take to co-ordinate the work of Government departments in publicising the danger of lung cancer caused by smoking. Mr Lipton: Is it not cowardly or at least half-hearted for the Government to leave the whole of this important task to local councils? Aren’t you well qualified to conduct a nation-wide campaign? Dr Hill: T ... Jump to full article >>

Ten years ago, I was the doctor for an 18-year-old with cystic fibrosis whose mother was a heavy smoker. The patient told me how she coughed, wheezed, and choked when she was at home. I became close with her; it seemed she was always in the hospital, and I couldn’t help but think it was because she wanted to escape a toxic environment. Three years later, at 21, she died—more than 14 years before a person with cystic fibrosis could be exp ... Jump to full article >>

Replies # I smoke, and I don’t find them offensive; however, if they designate a smoking area outside the building, I find it offensive if they don’t cover it. While it’s become very PC to despise smokers, they are people, too. – David, Seattle # Anti-smoking laws deeply offend me. This is the government stepping in and discriminating against those who light up. – Tiberious, 24, Cincinnati # If a smoker is offended, ... Jump to full article >>