Tobacco.org

• Eastern Approaches: Tax huff in Hungary 

According to rules crafted in the mid-1990s, Hungary and other "first-wave" enlargement countries were supposed to enact reform legislation by 2002 to harmonize tax rates with West Europe and, thus, qualify for EU entry in 2004. . .

But in recent months, pressure from several candidate countries prompted EU enlargement negotiators to back off on tobacco tax reform in the East. At the request of individual countries, the EU granted cigarette-tax concessions for Poland, Slovakia, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Bulgaria and the Czech Republic.

Each country will be able to delay cigarette tax increases for several years. Poland got permission to delay reforms until 2009. Estonia can wait until 2010.

Hungary's finance and foreign ministers asked for a similar concession last spring -- igniting the ire of Dr. Felix and others in his camp. Smoking opponents believe that government ministers sought concessions under pressure from, and in behalf of, big tobacco companies.

The official arguments for tax-hike delays range from concerns that higher taxes would encourage cigarette smuggling, to a fear that costlier smokes would spark consumer rebellions that eventually could lead to rejection of voter referendums for EU membership in candidate countries.

In granting the delays, the EU found those arguments valid. . .

But Budapest asked Brussels to take another look at its cigarette tax plan because -- as foreign ministry spokesman Tamas Toth told the MTI news agency -- the EU handed a concession to neighboring Slovakia in March. . .

Dr. Vadasz and his group, the Alliance for Tobacco Control, recently filed a formal complaint with the government.

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Smoking and passive smoking in Estonia, Lithuania and Finland Smoking and passive smoking in Estonia, Lithuania and Finland 

Results: Total exposure to smoking, both one's own and passive smoking, was more common in two Baltic countries than in Finland. In these Baltic countries passive smoking was notably common among women. In all countries the exposure was more prevalent among the younger and less educated, but no difference emerged between urban and rural areas.

Conclusions: The following target groups were identified as priorities for anti-tobacco actions: i) men of all ages in Estonia and Lithuania to stop their already established tobacco use, ii) young women in all three countries to prevent their starting a career of tobacco use and iii) young and less educated women in Estonia and Lithuania to prevent passive smoking, i.e. their exposure to environmental tobacco smoke.

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Finland wants EU to raise taxation on alcohol and tobacco products 

It has been revealed that Finland would like to see the EU members come to a common agreement on increasing the minimum duties taxes levied on alcohol and tobacco. Finnish authorities are terrified of massive cheap imports of the goods at the latest when Estonia becomes a member of the Union.

Finland will be obliged to liberate its import regulations on alcohol and tobacco to the level of the other EU countries from the beginning of 2004. At that point it will become possible to import seriously big quantities: 10 litres of spirits, 20 litres of fortified wines and sherries, 90 litres of wines, and 110 litres of beer. Tobacco import limits will jump to 800 cigarettes, or four cartons. In principle, Estonia would have the opportunity of joining the EU at around the same time, at least on current forecasts.

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Estonia decides to fine juveniles for smoking, drinking alcohol 

The Estonian Riigikogu [parliament] today unanimously adopted amendments that allow to fine children for smoking and drinking.

The fine to under-age persons for buying alcoholic drinks or tobacco products is 1,060 kroons. Consuming the same products results in a fine of 530 kroons and selling the products to children means a fine of up to 5,300 kroons.

The amendments allow to punish children aged 13-15. When someone under 13 is caught, the parents are held responsible.

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LETTER: Smoking ban in Estonia 

A recent news report states Estonia takes a hard line against smokers. Smoking is banned in all public places in Estonia. The no-smoking boards are everywhere. When Russians requested permission for smoking, the Mayor said, "the law is law-no exceptions".

In our country, even hospitals, universities and colleges have not banned smoking. Have we enough money to burn? . .

Strict anti-smoking laws must be enforced. Those who violate must be subjected to severe punishment. Cigarette companies lure public to smoke by giving them prizes. Such practices should be banned.

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• Draconian tobacco laws fail to smoke out Estonian president 

The country ushered in the new year with some of the most sweeping measures against smoking yet seen in Europe. Its "law on tobacco", which took effect on Wednesday, bans cigarettes in all public places, from offices to the stairwells of blocks of flats.

The no-smoking signs are being hung up in every indoor gathering place. . .

Not even the street is safe. Under-age smokers caught lighting up become liable to a £400 fine - a huge sum by local standards - and callers to a a radio phone-in programme in Tallinn this week were relishing the prospect of reprimanding anti-social elements taking a puff at bus stops.

Mr Meri, 72 in March, is a heavy smoker of Marlboro Lights. "He doesn't smoke in public places, and he always tells photographers not to snap him when he is smoking," his spokeswoman, Epp Alatalu, said. "But he smokes far too much."

And he is going to exploit a let-out which allows ventilated smoking rooms if there is a sufficiently strong demand. When he returns from his New Year holiday his office in the presidential palace will be fitted with the specified fans to let him puff lawfully.

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Austria Tabak Takes Over Philip Morris Distribution in Estonia 

Austria Tabakwerke AG, which owns the country's only tobacco store chain, said it signed an agreement with Philip Morris Cos. to take over the distribution rights for the American cigarette maker's products in Estonia.

Austria Tabak said its Estonian subsidiary, Tobaccoland Estonia, will take over the distribution on Jan. 1, bringing its market share in Estonia to 90 percent from 27 percent. Financial details weren't disclosed.

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Estonian parliament adopts anti-smoking law, requires employee smoking areas 

Tallinn, 19th June: The Estonian parliament today adopted the anti- smoking law at its extraordinary session, forcing company managers to build warm and airy smoking rooms.

The law bans smoking in health care, sports, cultural and teaching facilities, as well as in stores and service companies. Smoking is also banned in state or local municipality owned establishments.

Smoking is also banned in tunnels, waiting rooms and public transport and corridors. The law obliges the owner or employer to find a special room for smoking purposes.

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