Tobacco control policy: the European dimension.
The Royal College of Physicians has long played an important role in the struggle against tobacco. As tobacco is a legally traded substance, its regulation increasingly takes place at a European level, where governments seek to balance concerns about public health and free trade. Consequently, it is essential that those seeking to reduce the toll of tobacco-related disease understand the nature of the debate at a European level, in particular the strategies being pursued by the tobacco industry to undermine efforts to promote public health. After describing the European legislative process, this paper explores the current European debates on advertising restrictions, warning labels and cigarette composition, bans on public smoking, taxation, alleged industry involvement in smuggling, and subsidies for tobacco producers. It concludes by examining areas where the College might take action.
Gilmore
Anna
A
European Centre on Health of Societies in Transition, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London WC1E 7HT. anna.gilmore@lshtm.ac.uk
McKee
Martin
M
D005060:Europe; D006266:Health Education / Q000379:methods; D006293:Health Promotion / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D012907:Smoking / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D016540:Smoking Cessation / Q000379:methods*; D000074606:Smoking Prevention; D011049:Social Control Policies; D012955:Societies, Medical; D019460:Tobacco Industry / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D014028:Tobacco Smoke Pollution / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence / Q000517:prevention & control; D014029:Tobacco Use Disorder / Q000517:prevention & control; D006113:United Kingdom
D014028:Tobacco Smoke Pollution