A group of New Zealand researchers say it is time to start phasing out cigarette sales, arguing that limiting supply provides a predictable end to commercial tobacco.

The researchers, from the University of Otago, Wellington, say that in New Zealand nearly all smoking could be halted over the next decade by the government imposing increasingly tight limits on the supply of commercial tobacco.

In a presentation at the Asia Pacific Conference on Tobacco or Health (APACT) in Sydney today, and in an article in the international journal Tobacco Control, the researchers suggest a government-led strategy of six monthly 5% reductions in the amount of tobacco released to the market for sale (from 100% to 95% to 90% and so on). Tobacco manufacturers would periodically bid to the government for quota to allow sales.

According to researcher, Dr George Thomson, setting a clear end date for commercial tobacco sales would be one of the best incentives for quitting. "As supply diminished, tobacco prices would also rise to high levels, encouraging more people to quit," he said.

According to fellow researcher, Professor Tony Blakely, his team's modelling has shown that eliminating smoking could add an average three years for the whole New Zealand population, as well as much better quality of life. "It's unethical to simply watch as thousands of people die each year due to smoking in New Zealand, while we wait for the gradual passing of the tobacco epidemic. We must put in place methods for a more predictable and faster end to smoking," he said.

Source:
Cancer Council Australia