ASEAN Status of Tobacco Promotion at Point of Sale
With tobacco advertising and promotions being either totally or partially banned in almost all countries in Southeast Asia (ASEAN), the tobacco companies have shifted their focus to market at point-of-sale (POS) by displaying many packs or cartons of cigarettes. This is the remaining principal avenue for tobacco companies to communicate to the public. Cigarette pack displays at POS are aimed at keeping them visible and normal in the public’s mind. POS outlets are ubiquitous, and there is usually no control over their numbers which gives the tobacco companies an easy way to make cigarettes easily available. Since minors also visit retail outlets the packs positioned prominently at counters are visible to children as well.
Be Marlboro: You’re the Target
The report documents the global scope of Marlboro’s multi-million dollar rebranding campaign and how it threatens the health of millions of youth around the world. It also documents how “Be Marlboro” appeals to teens without regard for advertising restrictions aimed at protecting youth in many countries.
The report further emphasizes the ineffectiveness of voluntary marketing codes and partial tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship bans at curbing the tobacco industry’s ability to market to youth.
Comprehensive Ban on Cross-Border Tobacco Advertising, Promotions and Sponsorship in ASEAN region
Cross-border advertising includes out-flowing advertising, promotion, and sponsorship (originating from a country’s territory) and in-flowing advertising, promotion, and sponsorship (entering a country’s territory) should be banned according to FCTC Article 13.2 guideline. It involves the use of the Internet, television, radio, printed publications, and other media forms. International sponsorships that cross borders are likewise considered cross-border advertising; a prominent example would be sponsorship of international sporting events using cigarette brands.
Status of Pack Display Ban at Point of Sale in Thailand
Thailand has implemented a ban on pack display at point of sale since September 28, 2005. During the implementation, the tobacco companies used several counter action strategies against the proposed regulation. They immediately acquired interpretation of an article 8 of Tobacco product control act from the Juridical Council. Law professors appeared on several media channels questioning the validity and effectiveness of this regulation.
Advertising at Point of Sale gone Berserk: A Case for Pack Display Ban
With tobacco advertising and promotions being either totally or partially banned in the mass media in almost all countries in Southeast Asia, the tobacco industry has shifted its focus to do marketing communication at point-of-sale (POS) by displaying a number of cigarette packs or carton. This is the remaining principal avenue for tobacco industry. Cigarette pack displays at POS are aimed at keeping them visible and normal in the public’s mind. POS outlets are ubiquitous, and there is usually no control over their numbers which gives the tobacco industry an easy way to make cigarettes easily available. Since minors also visit retail outlets the packs positioned prominently at counters are visible to them as well.
Tobacco Industry Expanding in Indonesia
The large and young Indonesian population is important to the tobacco industry to grow its profits. There are already about 65 million smokers in Indonesia and many thousands more are becoming smokers every day. The tobacco industry (TI) must make the 65 million continue to smoke and keep recruiting the thousands for many years. This is why the tobacco industry and its spokespersons vigorously fight tobacco control measures and also attack public health advocates. When the truth is told, it is clear that the tobacco industry is the real enemy of the Indonesian people.