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by !Baha, 27 Feb 2009
Hong Kong Budget 2009: Tobacco tax increase
It may seem strange to say that a tobacco tax increase is for youth in Hong Kong,
But it is price measures, not education in schools, that have been shown in both rich and poor countries to be the one, single, most effective measure in reducing tobacco use, especially among the young.
Every 10% increase tobacco tax leads to 4% decrease in smoking, especially among youth.
The reason is simple: more expensive cigarettes become unaffordable.
If young people can avoid starting smoking in their teens, it is most unlikely they will start in later life.
It is also popular: There were over 11,000 hits on the HK Council of Smoking and Health website urging the raising of tobacco tax.
It is a good start: and Hong Kong now needs a sensible, long term tobacco tax policy, with a minimum of an annual rise in tobacco tax of 5% + inflation.
Dr Judith Mackay, SBS, OBE, FRCP(Edin), FRCP(Lon)
Director, Asian Consultancy on Tobacco Control
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