Jump to full article: Le Soleil (ca), 2009-06-08
Author: Gilles Boivin Le Soleil
Intro: (Quebec) History repeats itself. And for those who still doubt, the demand for reduction of tobacco taxes for owners of stores comes back.
They feel, rightly, been harmed by an underground economy that deprives millions of dollars. At the point where many of them are facing bankruptcy. . . .
Let's not be naïve. Obviously a reduction in tobacco taxes will draw some smokers back to the legal product market. A move in this direction in the 90s (also to fight contraband) did have a positive effect on "legitimate" tobacco sellers.
But there's another side to all this, the health effects of an increase in the number of smokers. Even worse, this rise in the number of smokers will hit the group particularly targeted by the tobacco industry, young people, who are the most sensitive to cigarette prices. Lowering the price of cigarettes by cutting taxes will only change the location of the problem and probably make it worse. The best way to stop smoking is not to start. High prices definitely have an effect on the youngest.
The fight against tobacco is a societal choice. We can't question it every time it inconveniences someone - even more so when it's... tobacco sellers.
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