Proposals to double the price of cigarettes in the UAE may not be enough to make people kick the habit. The UAE is considering imposing a health tax on cigarettes that would see a 100 per cent price rise on a packet. Smokers told 7DAYS that if proposals to double the price of cigarettes, which are being considered by the government, were given the go-ahead it would not put them off lighting up. Shamsuden Mukhtar, who has been a smoker for 25 years, said: “Cigarette smoking is an addiction and people with a stable income would be more than willing to pay any amount to have a smoke.

The best way to deal with it is to enrol people into programmes to help them quit.”

However, tobacco dealers said they were worried about the business impact on the new proposal so they would consider absorbing a percentage of the new tax to maintain sales.

“Previously, any additional costs have been transferred to the consumer. But in the event where we feel that extra costs are threatening the flow of business, we would explore options of absorbing some of the additional costs in order to keep our business running,” said a cigarette importer in Dubai. However Head of the Tobacco Control Committee, Dr Wedad Al Maidor, is optimistic a severe price hike would work.

“Experience shows that the best way to force people to quit smoking is by making cigarettes more expensive for them,” she said.

Idahoans can already get away with using marijuana for medical purposes – they just have to go to Oregon to do it. “Doctors in Idaho are sending patients from Idaho to Oregon to get medical marijuana,” said Bill Esbensen, the director of 45th Parallel, a non-profit marijuana co-op near the Oregon-Idaho border. While using marijuana for any reason is a federal crime, 16 states and the District of Columbia have passed laws allowing medical marijuana. However, Oregon is the only state that allows non-residents to acquire and use medical marijuana there.

Esbensen says some Idahoans risk being arrested by taking medical marijuana with them back across the state border, while others simply don’t go back to Idaho at all.

“I personally know 60-year-olds – several couples – that sold their homes in Idaho and moved to Oregon, so they wouldn’t have to deal with the paranoia of taking it home.”

District 6 Republican Rep. Tom Trail of Moscow says he’s made similar observations.

“Over 500 Idaho families have been forced to move to eastern Oregon because they have a member of their family who is need of a physician’s prescription for medical marijuana,” said Trail.

Even though a similar bill failed last year, Trail is sponsoring a another bill this year that would allow people like that to access and use marijuana without having to go to Oregon.

“You keep your foot on the pedal because it may take time, but good ideas and especially those that would relieve human suffering need to be out in front of the public and our elected officials.”

His controversial bill is called the “Idaho Compassionate Use Medical Marijuana Act.” It’s still in the early phases of the legislature, but there’s already opposition. The Spokesman-Review and the Associated Press say Idaho Gov. C.L. “Butch” Otter opposes the idea of legalizing medical marijuana in the Gem State.

Idaho isn’t the only state currently considering the adoption of some type of medical marijuana law. Fifteen other states have similar bills at various stages in their legislatures.

A state-wide smoking ban proposed by the Indiana House has a local bar owner fuming about added restrictions and exceptions. A bill to ban smoking in the state of Indiana still lingers in the Indiana House Monday night. Lawmakers want to expand the 2005 smoking ban to include no smoking in public places, enclosed areas of a place of employment, like corporate offices, in certain state vehicles, and within 12 ft. of a public entrance or enclosed area of a place of employment. But, among the added restrictions are a few exceptions that Pat Anderson, owner of Rack and Helen’s Bar & Grill in New Haven, fuming.

The new Indiana House bill on smoking virtually wants to ban smoking in all public places, and it would give bar owners 18 months to comply. But, the issue Anderson has, is the bill won’t ban smoking in places where children are allowed, but in places specifically established for adults. Rack and Helen’s is a 21 and over smoking establishment. He says the smoking ban in Fort Wayne has contributed to his business in New Haven, and a state-wide ban could change all that.
Anderson says the ordinance in New Haven calls for no smoking in any publically funded place, such as grocery stores and schools. He says the only places one can smoke are in 21 and over establishments or businesses that post they allow smoking.
The proposed smoking ban will make exceptions for places like casinos, private clubs, and non-profit fraternal, social, and veterans clubs. Anderson says that could be a serious problem because babies and children are allowed inside those places. He says it could affect children the most, because in most cases, they cannot choose where to go.
“You can carry an infant in a car seat into a club. That infant has no choice, he’s gone with mom and dad into a place where they smoke,” he said. “I would be embarrassed, as a tax-paying citizen of the state of Indiana, if they pass a bill where a child doesn’t have a choice, but at a 21 and over you can’t smoke.”
Anderson says with current local smoking ordinances, people can choose if they want to go to a smoking establishment or not. Anderson says the proposed bill would take away people’s right to choose.
“It’s not so much that they want to take smoking away, it’s the choice,” Anderson said. “It’s just one more thing. We’ve got the Legislature telling us how to live our life. They need to concentrate on the main issues, getting our kids educated, safety, roads. Lay off of the small businesses. We need no more regulations.”
If lawmakers want to make exceptions, Anderson believes 21 and over establishments should be included. Anderson says either that, or have no exceptions at all. Tobacco stores, and cigar and hookah bars are also exceptions. He thinks local governments and bar/tavern owners should handle this matter, like they have been, and not the state.
“At least invite the tavern owners in for a discussion and get our views. The problem is, I don’t think they care,” he said. “But, we made the investment, let us make the decision.”
As of Monday night, House Representatives did not pass the proposed smoking ban. Representatives say they want to make the best compromises before making a final decision. They say they anticipate approval of the bill Thursday. From there it will move onto the Senate for approval. However, smoking bills have a history of “dying” in the Indiana Senate in the past.

Years ago, I overheard a gentleman make a wise statement in a cigar shop that has stuck with me ever since. “The best cigar is the cigar you like the best,” he said. What a wonderfully simple (and true) declaration. So many people choose to smoke cigars that are new or expensive because they think those sticks will make them look cool. Others only choose cigars that have received the highest ratings, or those that are made by the trendiest cigar makers. Still others only smoke the biggest, the boldest, the darkest, or the thickest. And others hunt for certain flavor profiles.

But at the end of the day, the only thing that matters is that the cigar you choose makes you feel great and provides a pleasant experience. There’s no right answer when it comes to picking your cigar or deciding when, where, or how to smoke it. As long as enjoyment is the end result, you’re doing it right. Keep up the good work.

And if you have an all-time favorite cigar, well that’s fine too. I applaud your ability to narrow down the massive field to one supreme smoke, whether you’ve deemed that smoke supreme for its sentimental value or its physical attributes. Just don’t be shocked when I tell you I don’t have a favorite.

I often get asked what my favorite cigar is, and I think people are surprised—and sometimes disappointed—when I don’t have an answer. The truth is, I don’t have a favorite all-time song either. The music I listen to depends on a lot of different variables, not the least of which is my mood. Results can vary across genres that are completely dissimilar. If I could name a favorite song, it would change so often that it would render the act of naming a favorite completely meaningless.

That said, I do have a dozen or so songs that I would consider consistently among my favorites, some because they have sentimental value, some because I just really like the way they sound. The same could be said for cigars. Maybe I should have a “top five” answer prepared for the next time I’m asked what my favorite cigar is. Or maybe it’s enough to say, “I like too many cigars for too many different reasons to pick a favorite.”

No, I don’t think you have to have a favorite cigar. But I won’t hold it against you if you do. If you have a favorite, feel free to share it in the comments below, and feel free to mention why it’s at the top of your all-time best-of list.

Business interests blocking a tobacco ban—this was the theme behind the excellent Jason Reitman movie ‘Thank you for Smoking’ and also the recently held meeting of the GCC Tobacco Control Committee, apparently. Most notably, Dr Mahmoud Fikri, the undersecretary for health policy at the Ministry of Health, said the law to enforce a ban has been stalled because: “It is hard for things to run smoothly in this. There are a lot of interests, and there are big companies today and a lot of other things that come into effect.

When it came to implementation affected businesses did not all agree. Some said, ‘other countries don’t have this, so why do we have to?’”

Oh boo hoo! Will the GCC ever be tobacco free? Well there is a GCC-wide anti-smoking week, but as The National, very cheekily pointed out even those at the Tobacco Control Committee weren’t aware of it: “”When is this?” asked the Saudi official. “When it comes, I don’t even know.”

(Nope. This is just too easy the comedy practically writes itself with that quote. So we’re letting this one slide but feel free to give your own script.)

Interestingly, the meeting of the Tobacco Control Committee (don’t they sound like a fun lot?) has brought up the much debated conversation around introducing a tobacco tax into tax free UAE. Retailers say that even a 30 percent hike isn’t likely to deter avid smokers. After all, with tobacco prices at a global low (a branded pack of 20 cigarettes going for Dh6), a 30 percent increase would mean a packet would set back a smoker Dh8.

One of the top concerns is the issue of second hand smoke. In this regard, Dubai’s shopping malls, cinemas, offices and colleges have been rather successful in setting up smoking bans, forcing smokers to resort to smoking in tiny cancer-guaranteeing terminals—although, the ban is just catching up in other Emirates. Which is why, Kipp sees a fantastic business opportunity for anyone willing to bring the franchise to the region…the e-cigarette.

Once a bogus tacky invention, the e-cigarette is fast growing as a stylish alternative for those smokers tired of seeing the Blood Red No-Smoking Sign. So far, celebrities like Britney Spears, Jeremy Piven, Leonardo DiCaprio, Kate Moss, Paris Hilton, and Catherine Zeta-Jones have been spotted smoking one of these smoke-less red LED e-cigarettes. In fact, even Charlie Sheen is planning on starting his own line of e-cigs, called, wait for it, “NicoSheen”.

As Business Week says “According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the number of Americans who have smoked an e-cig more than quadrupled, from 0.6 percent of the population in 2009 to 2.7 percent in 2010. That’s more than 8 million people.”

With the problem of second hand smoke safely out of the way, e-cigs can be smoked ANYWHERE! Think about the possibilities-smoking in a movie cinema, smoking in a hospital, in a school, a petrol station, public transport and even around the terminally ill. OK- that last one might be pushing it too far, but you can see what we mean…so go ahead start the first UAE E-Cig brand (just remember to cut Kipp 10 percent).

Marion police say they confiscated 50 packs of synthetic marijuana, along with numerous items used for preparation and consumption of illegal drugs and some currency, in a bust on Main Street. Police say it is the second raid for the synthetic drug in one week. The raid occurred Friday afternoon at Shirts & Stuff in the 400 block of Main Street in Marion. Police say they were tipped off by several residents. The synthetic marijuana, also known as K2, is illegal in Ohio. It goes by many names.

Police say in this case, the drugs they confiscated were labeled as “Defiant Blue,” “Defiant Summit,” and “King Kush.”

The owners of Shirts & Stuff declined to speak to NBC4, but a friend said the owners have been there for 10 years. He emphasized that the owners were told by the distributors that the form of synthetic marijuana they were selling was legal.

Jarod Christian says he’s shopped at the store and was shocked to find out about the K2 bust.

“You would never think it was them,” Christian said.

Marion police say drug-trafficking charges on one person are pending in connection with this case.

Tobacco companies have opposed a proposal to raise the tax on cigarettes that could see smokers pay Sh7 to the Treasury for every ten shillings spent on their products. The move is aimed at boosting government revenue and aligning Kenya’s taxation regime with international standards. The Institute of Legislative Affairs (ILA) is proposing that the Treasury increase taxes on cigarettes to an effective rate of 70 per cent, the internationally recommended level by the World Health Organisation (WHO).

“Taxes account for 55 per cent of the cigarette prices in Kenya, which is much lower than the WHO recommended threshold of 70 per cent,” said the ILA last week, citing countries like Thailand, at a pre-budget hearing organised by the Institute of Economic Affairs.

British American Tobacco (BAT) Kenya and Mastermind Tobacco opposed the proposal claiming it would increase cigarette smuggling by tax evaders.

“This issue should be looked at in the context of the implications on the entire tobacco industry.

Experience in other countries, Canada being one such example, has shown that such initiatives lead to significant increases in consumer pricing leading to the growth of illicit trade,” said BAT East and Central Africa head of Corporate and Regulatory Affairs, Joe Muganda. “Which is not good for government revenues.”

Mastermind Tobacco spokesman Josh Kirimania, said that the new proposal is discriminatory to the majority of low-income smokers. “It is unfair to charge the same tax for people who are the lower end of the market with those at the top,” said Mr Kirimania.

He said that Mastermind Tobacco is lobbying the Treasury to have a change of heart and go back to the old system that categories products based on their charateristics, arguing this is the norm for other industries – and the tobacco sector ought not to be an exception. Malted beers and spirits are taxed differently in the alcohol industry.

The ILA executive director, Vincent Kimosop, said the proposal is based on a study done on the Sportsman brand, since it is the most popular in the market.
Mr Kimosop said the Treasury would be following the law since the Tobacco Act 2007 allows the Finance minister to increase levies on cigarettes.

“The minister for the time being in charge of Finance shall implement tax policies where appropriate price policies on tobacco and tobacco products so as to contribute to the objectives of this Act,” the law states.

The processes of manufacture, sale and production of tobacco products are regulated by the Act.

To ensure that the effective taxation rate is not reduced, there is a proposal to peg the tax to inflation, which implies that the rate will be adjusted in tandem with the changes in costs of goods.

Mr Kimosop said that inflation had gone up since the amendments to the Finance Bill were made in June, when the Budget was read, and as such the tax rate used then has been eroded by the rise in inflation.

No satisfactory arrangements have been made by authorities to enforce the Prohibition of Smoking and Protection of Non-Smokers Ordinance 2002 following devolution of the Health Ministry to the provinces. According to the ordinance, sale of tobacco or tobacco products below their market value or distribution of free samples has been prohibited. The government has also made it mandatory for tobacco companies to print health warning on cigarette packets. However, taking advantage of the devolution of the Health Ministry to the provinces after the 18th Amendment, some tobacco companies are violating the rules and regulations notified.

Recently, a tobacco company launched a promotional campaign in Mardan for their brand by offering free cigarette packets to consumers, which is a clear violation of the government rules and regulations. Earlier, in violation of government rules, a tobacco company started selling their brand of cigarettes without printing the mandatory pictorial health warning.

The devolution of the Health Ministry has encouraged some tobacco companies to violate anti-smoking laws, according to an official who was previously working with the Health Ministry. Tobacco Control Cell was responsible for the formulation and implementation of anti-smoking policies, but it has become dysfunctional after the 18th Amendment, he added.

In view of the prevailing situation, it is vital to formulate and implement anti-smoking laws at federal level, said a lawyer, Adeel Bilal, adding that “international treaties, conventions and agreements on tobacco control is a federal subject” and as such the non-smoking ordinance can be implemented at the federal level.

“Without a focal office to implement Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, the government would never be able to fulfill its obligations under the international treaty,” he said.

According to members of the civil society, in the past Tobacco Control Cell had been working to ensure implementation of the laws, including the Prohibition of Smoking and Protection of Non-Smokers Health Ordinance 2002 and the Cigarettes Printing of Warning Ordinance, 1979.

Smokers should brace themselves for a fresh rise in the price of cigarettes when a new tax approved by the UAE and other Gulf oil producers is enforced at the end of 2012, an official was reported on Monday as saying. Health ministers from the six-nation Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) endorsed the “health tax” at talks in Saudi Arabia in early January as part of joint plans to curb the consumption of tobacco in the region, said Dr Widad Al Maidoor, head of the anti-smoking section at the UAE Ministry of Health.

“The new law is intended to reduce tobacco consumption in the GCC and envisages the imposition of a new tax called ‘health tax’.…it will affect tobacco products and equipment used in its production and manufacturing…the tax will amount to 100 per cent of the product’s value.”

Quoted by the semi official daily Alittihad, Maidoor said the new law would be enforced at the end of 2012 after it is approved by the GCC finance ministers.

Cigarette prices have steadily increased over the past years following a series of GCC taxes and a surge in global prices of most consumer items.

Dealers said that despite the rise, cigarette prices in the region remain far below those in advanced countries. “In Britain for example, a 20-cigarette pack now sells for nearly Dh30, more than four times the prices here,” said an owner of a supermarket in Abu Dhabi.