Cigarette Plain Packaging Privilege, British American Tobacco

British American Tobacco Australia was refused leave on Friday to appeal to the court over its long-running bid to access privileged 1995 Commonwealth documents about plain packaging, under Freedom of Information laws. It comes after Wednesday's High Court ruling against tobacco companies' claim that the legislation, which is now cleared to take effect from December, is unconstitutional.

Tobacco Ordinance Needs Protection

Glendale has received statewide recognition and been lauded for its comprehensive policies that protect residents and visitors from breathing secondhand tobacco smoke in outdoor dining and shopping venues. Glendale also has a moratorium on the number of smoking dens also known as hookah lounges operating in the city. On Tuesday, Aug. 21, the Glendale City Council will be reviewing all of the current tobacco control ordinances and opening them up for possible updating.

Decrease in Cigarette Consumption, Adult Smokers

Sharp increases in total adult consumption of pipe tobacco (used for roll-your-own cigarettes) and cigarette-like cigars since 2008 have offset declines in total cigarette consumption, according to a new report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Although total cigarette consumption continued an 11-year downward trend with a 2.5 percent decline from 2010 to 2011, dramatic increases in use of non-cigarette smoked tobacco products have slowed the long decline in overall consumption of smoked tobacco products.

Smoking Ban Affects Small Tobacco Businesses

A law slated to go before the Russian State Duma this fall will be the most stringent anti-tobacco bill ever adopted in the country. If it is approved, starting in 2013, smoking will be banned in all public areas and it will be forbidden to sell cigarettes in kiosks, which line the streets, particularly outside metro stations. Kiosk owners, who make up to 70 percent of their revenue from sales of cigarettes and beer, will be hardest hit. Officials and industry analysts warn that the lack of sales could result in the unemployment of 300,000-500,000 people.

Tobacco Businesses, Youth Smokers

Though some retailers abide by the rules when it comes to selling tobacco products to underage residents, there are unfortunately some who still try to get by not follow state law. While many clerks already have other materials available to them, it was reported many are still unsure about WV State Code 16-9A-2 prohibiting the sale of tobacco products to minor youth and still, at times, get confused when checking birth dates on IDs. Due to high personnel turnover, many retailers have to train employees on a regular basis. This was also the reason for the development and distibution of the See Red? Retailer Education materials.

Supermarkets Hide Cigarettes Displays

It's less than a month until tobacco will be hidden in large shops in England in an effort to prevent the targeting of young people and cut smoking numbers. It is hoped that taking away tobacco displays will help people quit and make smoking less of a social norm. Around two-thirds of smokers started the habit before they were 18, which is why the charity Cancer Research says it looks forward to cigarettes being less visible to young people and children. Large shops, such as supermarkets, have until 6 April to remove cigarettes and other products from view, except when serving customers or restocking. According to the Department of Health, Sainsbury's, The Co-operative and Waitrose have already started complying. Other shops need to find out if they are classed as large and cover up products before the deadline.

Smoking During Pregnancy Increased

The percentage of women who smoke while pregnant has gone up in some Northern Kentucky counties even though the rates are falling across the state and nationwide. Between 2005 and 2009, the percentage of women who smoke while pregnant increased from 34 percent to 39 percent in Grant County and from 18 percent to 19 percent in Boone County. Among the counties served by the Northern Kentucky Independent District Health Department, only Campbell County showed a decrease during the reporting period, from 32 percent to 24 percent. In Kenton County, the percentage remained the same, at 30 percent. The risks of smoking during pregnancy are well-documented. Premature delivery, low birth weight and higher incidence of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome are just some of the dangers linked to smoking while pregnant.