There has been strong calls on the Government to increase the price of rolling tobacco.
The latest calls have come from leading cancer specialist and Senator John Crown who has the criticised the low pricing on the vastly popular ‘Combi Box’, which widely sold to younger cigarette smokers. Mr Crown has said the issue needs to be addressed because the small pouches act as “starter packs” for children. The hugely popular ‘Combi’ cigarette boxes contain 10 grams of rolling tobacco, cigarette papers and filters and is seen as ‘better value’ for smokers who get more value for their money, as it only costs €5.
Dr Crown and the Irish Cancer Society believe that the so called ‘roll your own’ industry is specificly targeting young people and is encouraging them to continue smoking, Dr Crown told The Sunday Independent: “I have ceased to be surprised by the marketing techniques of the tobacco industry.” “This is not because they are not innovative, but because I know they will do anything, in order to addict our children to their deadly products . . . The entire business plan of the tobacco industry can be summed up in four words: addict children to carcinogens.”
Meanwhile Eoin Bradley of the Irish Cancer Society (ICS) has said that his organisation has continuously lobbied the Department of Finance without success to tax ‘roll your own tobacco’ on a pro- rata basis with manufactured cigarettes. Mr Bradley, advocacy officer with the ICS, claims “the ‘Combi Box’ is increasing the popularity of smoking and “making it easier for young people to switch” to roll your own as cigarette packets have become too expensive.” Mr Bradley added: “They have always targeted young people in their marketing – 78pc of smokers start before the age of 18.”