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More than 80 per cent of the country's psychiatric wards are failing to enforce the smoking ban, says a report to be published tomorrow.
Staff shortages, a lack of safe outdoor space and insufficient training in quitting techniques means staff have had little success in stopping patients smoking indoors, says research by the Mental Health Foundation.
Around 70 per cent of people with severe mental health problems smoke cigarettes, but those admitted to hospital under section are often unable to leave the confines of the ward without special permission and accompanied by a staff member.
The ban - in force since 1 July 2008, a year later than elsewhere to enable hospitals to make provision - has led to secret smoking among patients, according to the foundation, which is calling for a review of the ban's impact.
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Brunei has set up a National Committee on Tobacco Control to discuss plans and strategies to reduce the prevalence of smoking in the country and create a smoke-free generation in the long-term.
The committee, which held its first meeting yesterday, was formed to examine and provide direction, advice and guidance on the National Tobacco Control Programme, in line with the policies suggested by the World Health Organisation, including monitoring use of tobacco products and preventive policies, protecting nonsmokers from tobacco smoke, providing warnings on the dangers of tobacco consumption and enforcing warnings on advertising and promotion of tobacco products.
It is also tasked with the responsibility of implementing the 2005 Tobacco Order and the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, in addition to increasing coordination with various sectors involved in the implementation of the National Tobacco Control Programme.
The committee will also ensure and enforce the implementation of the programme aimed at preventing and controlling the use of tobacco and reduce smoking rate, by preventing initial usage of tobacco, particularly among youths and women while also motivating the public to stop their usage of tobacco products.
Altria Group Inc.’s Philip Morris USA is introducing a new menthol version of its Marlboro cigarette this week that will compete with Lorillard Inc.’s Newport and Reynolds American Inc.’s Camel Crush.
The cigarette, called Marlboro Blend No. 54, has a “richer, bolder” flavor than Philip Morris USA’s regular Marlboro menthol and Marlboro Smooth menthol cigarettes, Greg Mathe, an Altria spokesman, said by telephone today.
Retailers and distributors began receiving shipments on June 17, according to an information sheet distributed to wholesalers and confirmed today by Bill Phelps, another spokesman for Richmond, Virginia-based Altria. It’s the first new Marlboro menthol cigarette since 2007.
China raised tax on cigarette cartons costing 70 yuan ($10.24) or more to 56 percent from 45 percent to increase revenue, China Tax News reported, citing the government.
The duty on lower-priced cigarettes will rise to 36 percent from 30 percent, according to the newspaper report, posted on the State Administration of Taxation’s Web site yesterday. The levy on cigars will rise to 36 percent from 25 percent, it said.
GUANGZHOU: This southern economic hub may snuff out smoking on official occasions once a new law takes effect.
"The proposal aims to accelerate the implementation of the new regulation and create the environment for a non-smoking Asian Games in 2010," said Su Jinzhong, deputy director of the standing committee of the municipal people's congress and one of the deputies who submitted the proposal.
The law bans smoking in kindergartens, cinemas, auditoriums and meeting rooms of government departments, State enterprises and public institutions, as well as places where there are pregnant women, while limiting smoking in bars, dance halls and game rooms.