South Korea at war with smokers
Frank Smith
Press TV, Seoul
South Korea is at war with smokers as an 80 percent tax hike and rules to kick smokers out of public areas. The measures are part of an effort to reduce the nation’s smoking rate, but rights groups see the new tobacco levy as a tax grab.
The WHO says raising cigarette prices reduces smoking, but suggest other measures work together. Healthcare advocates in South Korea seek restrictions on cigarette advertising and healthcare provisions.
Smokers are battling back against the tax by purchasing tobacco illegally on the Internet, at duty free and stocking up. Still the tax hike may have some effect.
Smoking in non-smoking areas risks fines of $100 for smokers and $5,000 for businesses, perhaps adding to the incentive to cut the habit.
Everyone agrees that smoking harms both smokers and others who are exposed to second hand smoke, among them the unborn. But critics on all sides say that free treatment for smoking addiction and other non-tax strategies need to be employed to improve public health.
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