A recent increase in the private consumption tax (ÖTV) on cigarettes may lead to more cigarettes being smuggled into Turkey from neighboring regions and a consequent drop in the country's tax revenues.According to the corporate relations director of British American Tobacco, Tuna Turagay, speaking to the Anatolia news agency, the recent ÖTV hike has scared tobacco producers, as it may create further incentive to smuggle cigarettes from neighboring countries. While a pack of cigarettes costs TL 7 in Turkey (3.3 euros), it costs 1.13 euros in Syria and about 1 euro in Turkey's eastern neighbors. In Western European nations such as France, Spain, England and Germany, a pack of cigarettes ranges from 3.75 euros to 6.9 euros in England.
The share of smuggled cigarettes in total cigarette consumption in Turkey was 7 percent in 2007, meaning a tax revenue loss of $1 billion. This share is 27 percent in England “despite the fact that it is an island nation,” said Turagay. If Turkey were to have a similar percentage of smuggled cigarettes, the amount of tax revenue lost could be over $4 billion. He added that smuggled cigarettes make up 50 percent of the total in Quebec, Canada, and 36 percent in Malaysia, due partly to high prices of cigarettes in these areas. Turagay revealed that this figure was as high as 20 percent in eastern regions of Turkey and that they feared smuggling would spread into larger metropolitan cities such as Ankara and İstanbul.
Turagay also stated that these price increases would hurt the poor the most, noting that before the ÖTV hike, a smoker would spend 19 percent of the minimum wage on cigarette consumption, while this would swell to 23 percent with the tax increase. “It’s not easy for everyone to stop smoking, and with wages as they are, it’s much more attractive to consume smuggled goods. This is our main concern,” said Turagay.
Turagay called on the government and the cigarette industry to work hand-in-hand to address this issue and stated that the public should be informed about the risks involved in buying smuggled cigarettes. Recalling that every pack of cigarettes is approved by the Tobacco and Alcohol Market Regulatory Agency (TAPDK) before being put on the shelves, he said: “Smuggled cigarettes are not approved or tested by any agency [in Turkey]. This is risky for consumers. Therefore, the government, the private sector and the public need to fight this problem together.”
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Showing posts with label smokers news. Show all posts
Showing posts with label smokers news. Show all posts
Dec 29, 2009
Connecticut going after online cigarette buyers
Connecticut officials are going after more than 900 state residents who bought cigarettes on the Internet but didn't pay state sales taxes as required by law.
The Department of Revenue Services announced Thursday that it mailed sales tax bills to 928 people this week, based on information provided under federal law by companies that sell cigarettes online.
The state's cigarette tax jumped from $2 to $3 a pack on Oct. 1 as state officials sought to boost revenue because of the state budget deficit. Connecticut's cigarette tax is the second highest in the country, after Rhode Island's $3.46 per pack tax.
The bills mailed this week are for sales tax and interest owed for online cigarette purchases made between 2007 and 2008.
The Department of Revenue Services announced Thursday that it mailed sales tax bills to 928 people this week, based on information provided under federal law by companies that sell cigarettes online.
The state's cigarette tax jumped from $2 to $3 a pack on Oct. 1 as state officials sought to boost revenue because of the state budget deficit. Connecticut's cigarette tax is the second highest in the country, after Rhode Island's $3.46 per pack tax.
The bills mailed this week are for sales tax and interest owed for online cigarette purchases made between 2007 and 2008.
Dec 21, 2009
Connecticut going after online cigarette buyers
Connecticut officials are going after more than 900 state residents who bought cigarettes on the Internet but didn't pay state sales taxes as required by law.
The Department of Revenue Services announced Thursday that it mailed sales tax bills to 928 people this week, based on information provided under federal law by companies that sell cigarettes online.
The state's cigarette tax jumped from $2 to $3 a pack on Oct. 1 as state officials sought to boost revenue because of the state budget deficit. Connecticut's cigarette tax is the second highest in the country, after Rhode Island's $3.46 per pack tax.
The bills mailed this week are for sales tax and interest owed for online cigarette purchases made between 2007 and 2008.
The Department of Revenue Services announced Thursday that it mailed sales tax bills to 928 people this week, based on information provided under federal law by companies that sell cigarettes online.
The state's cigarette tax jumped from $2 to $3 a pack on Oct. 1 as state officials sought to boost revenue because of the state budget deficit. Connecticut's cigarette tax is the second highest in the country, after Rhode Island's $3.46 per pack tax.
The bills mailed this week are for sales tax and interest owed for online cigarette purchases made between 2007 and 2008.
Nov 30, 2009
Cigarette thieves return to the scene to steal cash
Police arrested a trio of suspected burglars Wednesday who allegedly broke into an Afton business to steal cigarettes and left the store only to return a short time later to steal cash in a second break-in.New York State Police have charged 19-year-old Steven C. Barrows of Unadilla, 21-year-old Heather Wrench and 27-year-old Arnie J. Roe, both of Bainbridge, with third degree burglary.
Police said the three broke into the Afton Country Store at 30 Maple Street in the Village of Afton, in the early hours of Nov. 25.
Troopers said they stole a number of cigarettes and then left the store. A “short time later,” the three then returned to Afton Country Store and stole an undisclosed amount of cash from the register, according to police.
Police said the three broke into the Afton Country Store at 30 Maple Street in the Village of Afton, in the early hours of Nov. 25.
Troopers said they stole a number of cigarettes and then left the store. A “short time later,” the three then returned to Afton Country Store and stole an undisclosed amount of cash from the register, according to police.
Nov 6, 2009
Did man steal $11K in smokes?
BANTAM —A New Hartford man who allegedly stole more than $11,000 in cigarettes was arraigned in Bantam Superior Court Wednesday.
Robert Cockcroft, 20, 26 Bel Air Drive, was ordered held on $15,000 bond by Judge Daniel Shaban and scheduled to appear in Litchfield Superior Court on Nov. 17.
Cockcroft was arrested by New Milford police on Tuesday and charged with third-degree burglary and first-degree larceny.
A New Milford woman told police she thought it was odd that her friend Thomas Collier had 15 packs of cigarettes when she knew he didn’t smoke. He reportedly admitted to her that he climbed through the window on Oct. 22 with Cockcroft and took the items. He said no one would recognize him because he wore a hoodie and a bandana on his face but when he found out police wanted to talk to him, he left the state, according to the arrest warrant. New Milford police said a video camera recorded a man entering the store wearing similar clothing. Cockcroft may not have entered the store, but was also trying to sell packs of cigarettes on the green in New Milford for $5 a pack. “‘I do what I gotta do to get money’,” Cockcroft told one of his customers.
The owner of the store told police the burglar stole 11 cartons of Marlboro Ultra Lights, 85 cartons of Newport, 60 cartons of Marlboro, two cartons B&H deluxe king, four cartons of Parliament, two cartons of Dunhill, four cartons of American Spirit, five cartons of Virgina Slims, four cartons of Kool, a smoking hookah, 40 Dutch Masters cigars, 25 Green Game cigars. The total retail value of the stolen items is approximately $11,403, police said.
Robert Cockcroft, 20, 26 Bel Air Drive, was ordered held on $15,000 bond by Judge Daniel Shaban and scheduled to appear in Litchfield Superior Court on Nov. 17.
Cockcroft was arrested by New Milford police on Tuesday and charged with third-degree burglary and first-degree larceny.
A New Milford woman told police she thought it was odd that her friend Thomas Collier had 15 packs of cigarettes when she knew he didn’t smoke. He reportedly admitted to her that he climbed through the window on Oct. 22 with Cockcroft and took the items. He said no one would recognize him because he wore a hoodie and a bandana on his face but when he found out police wanted to talk to him, he left the state, according to the arrest warrant. New Milford police said a video camera recorded a man entering the store wearing similar clothing. Cockcroft may not have entered the store, but was also trying to sell packs of cigarettes on the green in New Milford for $5 a pack. “‘I do what I gotta do to get money’,” Cockcroft told one of his customers.
The owner of the store told police the burglar stole 11 cartons of Marlboro Ultra Lights, 85 cartons of Newport, 60 cartons of Marlboro, two cartons B&H deluxe king, four cartons of Parliament, two cartons of Dunhill, four cartons of American Spirit, five cartons of Virgina Slims, four cartons of Kool, a smoking hookah, 40 Dutch Masters cigars, 25 Green Game cigars. The total retail value of the stolen items is approximately $11,403, police said.
Oct 29, 2009
€50M Cigarettes Haul Intercepted
Two men from Co Armagh were among nine people arrested in Co Louth yesterday when a shipment of illegal cigarettes was recovered.
The illegal cargo containing 120m cigarettes - one of the largest illegal shipments ever seen in Europe - was taken to Dublin this morning for unloading, a task that is thought to require the remainder of the day to complete.
Revenue officials, Gardaí and members of the PSNI - totalling almost 150 law enforcement officers - were involved in the interception.
The cigarettes, which originated in the Philippines, were destined for black market distribution across the Irish Republic and the UK.
Gardaí Commissioner Fachtna Murphy said it was a "significant strike against organised crime".
The ships cargo contained some 1,500 one-tonne bags and was described as the largest find of its type in Europe.
The news comes as the Dublin Government announced today the provision of a purpose-built customs boat to help reduce the amount of drugs and cigarettes being imported into Dublin and the rest of the country.
Speaking at the launch and naming of the new Custom Service vessel yesterday, Senator Martin Brady said he hoped the vessel would help curtail illegal smuggling via the Irish coastline.
"This is the second boat of its kind belonging to the Customs Service and hopefully it help in the fight against the importation of drugs," said Senator Brady.
"We all want a reduction in the amount of drugs on our streets and the best way of achieving that is to stop them from ever making our shores. I really believe that this vehicle will help to block some drugs from reaching Dublin and other parts of the country."
The RCC Faire is a 23.6 metre, purpose built vessel and is the second of its kind to be introduced by the Customs Service.
The illegal cargo containing 120m cigarettes - one of the largest illegal shipments ever seen in Europe - was taken to Dublin this morning for unloading, a task that is thought to require the remainder of the day to complete.
Revenue officials, Gardaí and members of the PSNI - totalling almost 150 law enforcement officers - were involved in the interception.
The cigarettes, which originated in the Philippines, were destined for black market distribution across the Irish Republic and the UK.
Gardaí Commissioner Fachtna Murphy said it was a "significant strike against organised crime".
The ships cargo contained some 1,500 one-tonne bags and was described as the largest find of its type in Europe.
The news comes as the Dublin Government announced today the provision of a purpose-built customs boat to help reduce the amount of drugs and cigarettes being imported into Dublin and the rest of the country.
Speaking at the launch and naming of the new Custom Service vessel yesterday, Senator Martin Brady said he hoped the vessel would help curtail illegal smuggling via the Irish coastline.
"This is the second boat of its kind belonging to the Customs Service and hopefully it help in the fight against the importation of drugs," said Senator Brady.
"We all want a reduction in the amount of drugs on our streets and the best way of achieving that is to stop them from ever making our shores. I really believe that this vehicle will help to block some drugs from reaching Dublin and other parts of the country."
The RCC Faire is a 23.6 metre, purpose built vessel and is the second of its kind to be introduced by the Customs Service.
Oct 28, 2009
Occasional smoking is increasing and shouldn't get a pass
Smoking-cessation programs typically target frequent smokers with fairly hefty habits. But it may be time to also put some focus on occasional and social smokers, according to a commentary released today in the Archives of Internal Medicine.
This group of intermittent smokers may not be studied as much as more prolific puffers, but the fact that they do smoke should be cause for concern, the authors say. They note that while daily tobacco smoking has decreased, nondaily smoking increased between 1996 and 2001 in most states, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Younger smokers ages 18 to 29 were particularly at risk. They add that a 2009 study in the journal Nicotine & Tobacco Research showed that smoking bans in workplaces and other areas may be associated with a rise in light smoking.
The fact that many occasional and social smokers consider themselves nonsmokers and, therefore, not at risk for health problems makes it difficult for healthcare providers to treat them. Some studies have linked nondaily smoking to health problems such as cardiovascular disease and osteoporosis.
This intermittent smoking group differs from daily smokers in that they tend to be younger, better educated, better off financially, from minority backgrounds and are more often female. Intermittent smoking is also associated with drinking, particularly binge drinking, on college campuses.
A story we did in August 2008 focused on people who exercise regularly and also smoke. Some defined themselves as social smokers, saying that smoking usually took place when they were out with friends from whom they could bum cigarettes and that they rarely bought cigarettes themselves. Although all were aware that smoking carried health risks, not all were consumed with quitting.
The authors point out that there isn't much research on nicotine addiction among occasional smokers, and no studies they know of have examined results for stop-smoking programs targeted to intermittent smokers. In the commentary, they wrote: "Clinical education and training programs need to improve their screening and identification of nondaily and social smokers. Once identified, clinicians must recognize that nondaily smokers, especially social smokers, may be more motivated to quit by messages stressing the harm of secondhand smoke and by encouragement to break associations between social activities and tobacco use rather than by an emphasis on personal health risks."
This group of intermittent smokers may not be studied as much as more prolific puffers, but the fact that they do smoke should be cause for concern, the authors say. They note that while daily tobacco smoking has decreased, nondaily smoking increased between 1996 and 2001 in most states, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Younger smokers ages 18 to 29 were particularly at risk. They add that a 2009 study in the journal Nicotine & Tobacco Research showed that smoking bans in workplaces and other areas may be associated with a rise in light smoking.
The fact that many occasional and social smokers consider themselves nonsmokers and, therefore, not at risk for health problems makes it difficult for healthcare providers to treat them. Some studies have linked nondaily smoking to health problems such as cardiovascular disease and osteoporosis.
This intermittent smoking group differs from daily smokers in that they tend to be younger, better educated, better off financially, from minority backgrounds and are more often female. Intermittent smoking is also associated with drinking, particularly binge drinking, on college campuses.
A story we did in August 2008 focused on people who exercise regularly and also smoke. Some defined themselves as social smokers, saying that smoking usually took place when they were out with friends from whom they could bum cigarettes and that they rarely bought cigarettes themselves. Although all were aware that smoking carried health risks, not all were consumed with quitting.
The authors point out that there isn't much research on nicotine addiction among occasional smokers, and no studies they know of have examined results for stop-smoking programs targeted to intermittent smokers. In the commentary, they wrote: "Clinical education and training programs need to improve their screening and identification of nondaily and social smokers. Once identified, clinicians must recognize that nondaily smokers, especially social smokers, may be more motivated to quit by messages stressing the harm of secondhand smoke and by encouragement to break associations between social activities and tobacco use rather than by an emphasis on personal health risks."
Oct 23, 2009
Scariest Quit Smoking/Tobacco Signs and Promotional Materials
Smoking cigarettes and using tobacco can literally kill you because the chemicals it contains can literally burn your lungs away, among other things. That is why the most striking and scariest advertisements promoting quitting smoking cigarettes and tobacco focus on death.
These advertisement materials usually contain few textual messages and are instead very visual in nature. They typically contain skulls and crossbones because these are the most common images associated with death and danger. There are many messages conveyed with these images, such as smoking is suicide, cigarettes are killers in packs and you can commit murder with smoking.
Among the strongest images in these advertisements are those that promote quitting smoking because of the inherent dangers of secondhand smoke. The proponents of these campaigns believe that while a smoker may ignore the dangers of smoking to his or her own body, the smoker will not be able to do the same when it comes to the health of his or her loved ones.
These advertisement materials usually contain few textual messages and are instead very visual in nature. They typically contain skulls and crossbones because these are the most common images associated with death and danger. There are many messages conveyed with these images, such as smoking is suicide, cigarettes are killers in packs and you can commit murder with smoking.
Among the strongest images in these advertisements are those that promote quitting smoking because of the inherent dangers of secondhand smoke. The proponents of these campaigns believe that while a smoker may ignore the dangers of smoking to his or her own body, the smoker will not be able to do the same when it comes to the health of his or her loved ones.
Oct 22, 2009
Will smoking bans at other universities affect policies at Eastern?
Kentucky is known for being one of the top states in the U.S. for tobacco production.
And as a result, Kentucky has one of the highest smoking rates in the nation. Cigarettes (real and electronic), snuff, dip and hookah are common substances that can be found all over the state, including college campuses.
In less than a month, though, one college campus will no longer allow any tobacco on its grounds-the University of Kentucky.
On Nov. 19, UK will join the American Cancer Society's Great American Smoke-Out initiative and will enact a completely tobacco-free policy. The policy will apply to all UK property within Fayette County, and to everyone on campus: students, faculty, visitors, etc.
The policy will eliminate all tobacco-related practices from the campus. People will not even be able to smoke a cigarette in their own cars.
"The goal is to promote a healthy environment so people can live, work and learn," said Ellen Hahn, the director of the Kentucky Center for Smoke-Free Policy.
Hahn said the Board of Trustees at UK has been discussing the move for several years. Currently, smoking is prohibited in or within 20 feet of all buildings. Last year, the UK Medical Center became completely tobacco-free.
"There has been very little push-back," Hahn said. "There has been a lot of positive support."
Hahn said some people dislike the ban, but most know why the ban is being put into place.
"People get it," she said. "They understand there are several . . . problems, and that it is preventable."
Hahn said UK will inform its students and employees about the new policy in three different ways: signs posted around campus, letters and by providing access to smoking cessation treatments.
"UK is putting its money where its mouth is," Hahn said. "[The treatments] will be very discounted and affordable."
UK is not asking students to quit smoking, but rather to manage their habits, Hahn said. She said the policy would be enforced well. If a person is caught smoking on campus, he or she will be asked to put out their cigarette; however, if he or she deliberately disobeys the policy on several occasions, the student or employee would be suspended, expelled or dismissed.Hahn said UK's decision has caused "a lot of buzz" within the state. Other universities have thought about going completely tobacco-free, including the University of Louisville and Bellarmine University.
Eastern is currently not completely tobacco-free. Bryan Makinen, the director of Environmental Health and Safety, said tobacco is not allowed in or within 25 feet of any building.
Even though it is uncertain whether Eastern could possibly become tobacco-free, students have already formed their opinions about UK's policy.
Liz Mindel, a junior elementary education major from Walton, said she thinks the policy is "far out" and "un-enforceable."
"I agree with no smoking ...but how do you enforce it?" she said. "If you have problems, find a way to enforce the rules better."
Josh Taylor, a senior environmental studies major from Cynthiana, also said he thinks UK's policy is "overbearing."
"I don't feel like a public institution should be able to do enough to designate areas instead of banning [tobacco] completely."
Other students, like Becca Johnson, a sophomore social work major from Dry Ridge, said they think the policy is a good idea, and some said a similar policy would be beneficial at Eastern.
"I know Eastern has smoking policies, but most people don't follow them," Johnson said. "It would be more obvious if people break the rules."
And as a result, Kentucky has one of the highest smoking rates in the nation. Cigarettes (real and electronic), snuff, dip and hookah are common substances that can be found all over the state, including college campuses.
In less than a month, though, one college campus will no longer allow any tobacco on its grounds-the University of Kentucky.
On Nov. 19, UK will join the American Cancer Society's Great American Smoke-Out initiative and will enact a completely tobacco-free policy. The policy will apply to all UK property within Fayette County, and to everyone on campus: students, faculty, visitors, etc.
The policy will eliminate all tobacco-related practices from the campus. People will not even be able to smoke a cigarette in their own cars.
"The goal is to promote a healthy environment so people can live, work and learn," said Ellen Hahn, the director of the Kentucky Center for Smoke-Free Policy.
Hahn said the Board of Trustees at UK has been discussing the move for several years. Currently, smoking is prohibited in or within 20 feet of all buildings. Last year, the UK Medical Center became completely tobacco-free.
"There has been very little push-back," Hahn said. "There has been a lot of positive support."
Hahn said some people dislike the ban, but most know why the ban is being put into place.
"People get it," she said. "They understand there are several . . . problems, and that it is preventable."
Hahn said UK will inform its students and employees about the new policy in three different ways: signs posted around campus, letters and by providing access to smoking cessation treatments.
"UK is putting its money where its mouth is," Hahn said. "[The treatments] will be very discounted and affordable."
UK is not asking students to quit smoking, but rather to manage their habits, Hahn said. She said the policy would be enforced well. If a person is caught smoking on campus, he or she will be asked to put out their cigarette; however, if he or she deliberately disobeys the policy on several occasions, the student or employee would be suspended, expelled or dismissed.Hahn said UK's decision has caused "a lot of buzz" within the state. Other universities have thought about going completely tobacco-free, including the University of Louisville and Bellarmine University.
Eastern is currently not completely tobacco-free. Bryan Makinen, the director of Environmental Health and Safety, said tobacco is not allowed in or within 25 feet of any building.
Even though it is uncertain whether Eastern could possibly become tobacco-free, students have already formed their opinions about UK's policy.
Liz Mindel, a junior elementary education major from Walton, said she thinks the policy is "far out" and "un-enforceable."
"I agree with no smoking ...but how do you enforce it?" she said. "If you have problems, find a way to enforce the rules better."
Josh Taylor, a senior environmental studies major from Cynthiana, also said he thinks UK's policy is "overbearing."
"I don't feel like a public institution should be able to do enough to designate areas instead of banning [tobacco] completely."
Other students, like Becca Johnson, a sophomore social work major from Dry Ridge, said they think the policy is a good idea, and some said a similar policy would be beneficial at Eastern.
"I know Eastern has smoking policies, but most people don't follow them," Johnson said. "It would be more obvious if people break the rules."
Oct 13, 2009
7-Eleven adding pizza, chicken wings as it expands hot foods program
Stepping up its forays into fast-food turf, 7-Eleven Inc. said Monday it's expanding its hot foods program to add items such as pepperoni pizza and chicken wings to 115 Dallas-area stores.
The program is part of a nationwide rollout that is bringing ovens made by Carrollton's TurboChef Technologies to 1,400 7-Eleven stores this year.
7-Eleven has offered grilled hot dogs since the early 1980s, but a spokeswoman said this marks the first widespread use of the high-speed TurboChef oven that combines radiant heat, microwave and convection cooking technologies.
Stores with the new hot food program will be able to serve items such as four-cheese and pepperoni pizza (whole or by the slice), white-meat chicken tenders and three varieties of chicken wings – spicy, breaded; Asian; and barbecue.
For breakfast, stores chosen by the company to participate in the hot food program also will sell sausage, egg and cheese quesadillas and hash browns. Prices range from 79 cents for two hash browns to $9.99 for a large pizza.
The move marks a further escalation of 7-Eleven's move away from tobacco products and into food.
"Food service is our future," said 7-Eleven spokeswoman Margaret Chabris, "We realized this in the 1990s with declining tobacco sales and rising tobacco regulation."
She said hot food – which began as a test in 2007 in Salt Lake City – accounts for 30 percent of the brand's food offerings, which also include fresh fruit, salads and sandwiches.
"Customers want speed, value and convenience, which is our niche," she added. "We see a big opportunity with hot foods."
For November and December, some stores will have a banner offering a whole pizza for $6.99. Starting next year, the company will have a menu board over the hot foods area inside the store.
Chabris said the company also is part of a 27-store test of fresh bananas wrapped and treated to double their "ripe life." 7-Eleven is working with Fresh Del Monte Produce to test the bananas, which are kept in special packaging that slows the ripening process and extends the green and yellow life of bananas for up to 5 days.
The test began Monday and will last about 60 days.
The program is part of a nationwide rollout that is bringing ovens made by Carrollton's TurboChef Technologies to 1,400 7-Eleven stores this year.
7-Eleven has offered grilled hot dogs since the early 1980s, but a spokeswoman said this marks the first widespread use of the high-speed TurboChef oven that combines radiant heat, microwave and convection cooking technologies.
Stores with the new hot food program will be able to serve items such as four-cheese and pepperoni pizza (whole or by the slice), white-meat chicken tenders and three varieties of chicken wings – spicy, breaded; Asian; and barbecue.
For breakfast, stores chosen by the company to participate in the hot food program also will sell sausage, egg and cheese quesadillas and hash browns. Prices range from 79 cents for two hash browns to $9.99 for a large pizza.
The move marks a further escalation of 7-Eleven's move away from tobacco products and into food.
"Food service is our future," said 7-Eleven spokeswoman Margaret Chabris, "We realized this in the 1990s with declining tobacco sales and rising tobacco regulation."
She said hot food – which began as a test in 2007 in Salt Lake City – accounts for 30 percent of the brand's food offerings, which also include fresh fruit, salads and sandwiches.
"Customers want speed, value and convenience, which is our niche," she added. "We see a big opportunity with hot foods."
For November and December, some stores will have a banner offering a whole pizza for $6.99. Starting next year, the company will have a menu board over the hot foods area inside the store.
Chabris said the company also is part of a 27-store test of fresh bananas wrapped and treated to double their "ripe life." 7-Eleven is working with Fresh Del Monte Produce to test the bananas, which are kept in special packaging that slows the ripening process and extends the green and yellow life of bananas for up to 5 days.
The test began Monday and will last about 60 days.
Oct 5, 2009
Bonfire was likely cause of fire
Jersey fire service described the fire at Val de la Mar reservoir as the largest furze fire of the year.
The Fire Service have said an initial investigation suggests it was caused by a bonfire that got out of control.
Chief Fire Officer, Mark James, has called for islanders to be extra vigilant when having bonfires or disposing of cigarettes.
"The hedgerows and furze is very dry and at present there is a high risk of fires starting," Mark said.
"I would urge all Islander's to be extra vigilant and take extra care when disposing of cigarettes or having bonfires or barbecues."When a wildfire occurs in the countryside, the implications for the Fire and Rescue Service are great.
"We have a limited number of firefighters on the island and these types of fires require us to commit large numbers of our resources for days at a time.
"Although we are experienced and equipped to deal with these types of incident, our aim is to prevent fires before they start," Mark explained.
There are still a number of hotspots around the area that are continually flaring up due to the strong winds but the main fire has been put out.
"This incident has stretched the Service to its limit," said Chief Fire Officer Mark James.
Overnight arrangements had to be made for two families that were evacuated from there homes in the area.
The size of the fire meant that all of the islands full and part-time firefighters had to be called in to battle the blaze.
In addition the Airport Rescue and Firefighting Service specialist foam tender was used to drench the flames.
As well as the fire service, people from the community in the area also lent a hand with local farmers using their tractors and water bowsers.
At the height of the fire, 45 firefighters, States and Honorary Police Officers, States Ambulance Officers and the Ambulance Support Unit were also at the scene.
The States of Jersey fire service have confirmed that an investigation into the cause of the fire will now be carried out.
The fire started at around 14:30 on 3 October and at its peak destroyed an area of around 200,000 sq metres.
"It's not the biggest furze fire we've ever faced. but the terrain and the wind has meant that we've been dealing with many fire fronts all at the same time," said Martin Allix, Fire Service Group Manager on site.
The fire crews at the site managed to save several properties in the area but a number of outbuildings and a garage have been damaged.
The States of Jersey Police are appealing for any information that might help them find out the cause of the furze fire.
The Fire Service have said an initial investigation suggests it was caused by a bonfire that got out of control.
Chief Fire Officer, Mark James, has called for islanders to be extra vigilant when having bonfires or disposing of cigarettes.
"The hedgerows and furze is very dry and at present there is a high risk of fires starting," Mark said.
"I would urge all Islander's to be extra vigilant and take extra care when disposing of cigarettes or having bonfires or barbecues."When a wildfire occurs in the countryside, the implications for the Fire and Rescue Service are great.
"We have a limited number of firefighters on the island and these types of fires require us to commit large numbers of our resources for days at a time.
"Although we are experienced and equipped to deal with these types of incident, our aim is to prevent fires before they start," Mark explained.
There are still a number of hotspots around the area that are continually flaring up due to the strong winds but the main fire has been put out.
"This incident has stretched the Service to its limit," said Chief Fire Officer Mark James.
Overnight arrangements had to be made for two families that were evacuated from there homes in the area.
The size of the fire meant that all of the islands full and part-time firefighters had to be called in to battle the blaze.
In addition the Airport Rescue and Firefighting Service specialist foam tender was used to drench the flames.
As well as the fire service, people from the community in the area also lent a hand with local farmers using their tractors and water bowsers.
At the height of the fire, 45 firefighters, States and Honorary Police Officers, States Ambulance Officers and the Ambulance Support Unit were also at the scene.
The States of Jersey fire service have confirmed that an investigation into the cause of the fire will now be carried out.
The fire started at around 14:30 on 3 October and at its peak destroyed an area of around 200,000 sq metres.
"It's not the biggest furze fire we've ever faced. but the terrain and the wind has meant that we've been dealing with many fire fronts all at the same time," said Martin Allix, Fire Service Group Manager on site.
The fire crews at the site managed to save several properties in the area but a number of outbuildings and a garage have been damaged.
The States of Jersey Police are appealing for any information that might help them find out the cause of the furze fire.
Sep 25, 2009
NC Legislators Join Growing Opposition to Canadian Bill Banning Manufacture and Sale of 'American Blend' Cigarettes
North Carolina State Representatives Jerry Dockham and David Lewis, along with State Senator David Rouzer are expressing their concerns that the passage of Bill C-32 by the Canadian Parliament could impose irreversible damage upon the North Carolina agriculture industry by banning the manufacture and sale of American blend cigarettes in Canada.
The bill aims to address concerns regarding candy-flavored tobacco products that target minors, however, it imposes an overly-broad ban on all cigarettes manufactured with flavor additives, thus including "American blend" cigarettes that do not target minors and are not "fruity" or "candy" flavored.
The three legislators call on North Carolina's Congressional delegation to defend the jobs of many hard-working American tobacco farmers and manufacturers by encouraging the Canadian Parliament to consider the very negative effects of Bill C-32 and oppose it as currently written with such a broad and arbitrary ban. Additionally they are urging the state's federal lawmakers to weigh in with the appropriate U.S. trade officials.
Recently, U.S. Rep. Howard Coble of the North Carolina's sixth Congressional district wrote to U.S. Trade Representative Mark Kirk on the issue, which Dockham said "shows that the Congressman is willing to stand up for our state's economy and for the many hard working people employed in our agricultural industry." Coble's letter, dated September 4th, 2009, cited concerns that the Canadian bill could "create repercussions for burley tobacco farmers", and that it would "negatively affect the tobacco manufacturing industry, as American blend cigarettes are often comprised of flue cured, oriental, and burley tobacco."
With the Canadian Parliament set for a September 30th hearing on C-32, Dockham said that "needlessly removing legitimate tobacco products that do not target youths would put many jobs at risk for American tobacco industry workers. I feel very strongly that C-32 would cause more problems than it solves, with the American tobacco industry receiving a blow from which it may be hard to recover."
While Lewis indicated his support for Canada's effort to curb youth tobacco use, he said he does not feel that placing a sweeping ban on all flavorings, such as those produced with American burley tobacco, is the answer. "I ask Canadian lawmakers to re-examine their objectives before placing trust in an across-the-board ban, and I encourage our two U.S. Senators and the rest of our Congressional delegation to ask the same of their Canadian colleagues," said Lewis.
Rouzer echoed the concerns of his two legislative colleagues. "Our tobacco farmers are once again under assault, this time by the Canadian government. If Canada is really serious about youth smoking, I've got a solution for them, and that's to get focused on tobacco contraband and enact stronger penalties for violators," said Rouzer. "That is where the real problem lies, and they know this. What they are really up to is a back door ban of tobacco products that include American tobacco, and North Carolina's Congressional delegation should stand up and call their hand on it."
The bill aims to address concerns regarding candy-flavored tobacco products that target minors, however, it imposes an overly-broad ban on all cigarettes manufactured with flavor additives, thus including "American blend" cigarettes that do not target minors and are not "fruity" or "candy" flavored.
The three legislators call on North Carolina's Congressional delegation to defend the jobs of many hard-working American tobacco farmers and manufacturers by encouraging the Canadian Parliament to consider the very negative effects of Bill C-32 and oppose it as currently written with such a broad and arbitrary ban. Additionally they are urging the state's federal lawmakers to weigh in with the appropriate U.S. trade officials.
Recently, U.S. Rep. Howard Coble of the North Carolina's sixth Congressional district wrote to U.S. Trade Representative Mark Kirk on the issue, which Dockham said "shows that the Congressman is willing to stand up for our state's economy and for the many hard working people employed in our agricultural industry." Coble's letter, dated September 4th, 2009, cited concerns that the Canadian bill could "create repercussions for burley tobacco farmers", and that it would "negatively affect the tobacco manufacturing industry, as American blend cigarettes are often comprised of flue cured, oriental, and burley tobacco."
With the Canadian Parliament set for a September 30th hearing on C-32, Dockham said that "needlessly removing legitimate tobacco products that do not target youths would put many jobs at risk for American tobacco industry workers. I feel very strongly that C-32 would cause more problems than it solves, with the American tobacco industry receiving a blow from which it may be hard to recover."
While Lewis indicated his support for Canada's effort to curb youth tobacco use, he said he does not feel that placing a sweeping ban on all flavorings, such as those produced with American burley tobacco, is the answer. "I ask Canadian lawmakers to re-examine their objectives before placing trust in an across-the-board ban, and I encourage our two U.S. Senators and the rest of our Congressional delegation to ask the same of their Canadian colleagues," said Lewis.
Rouzer echoed the concerns of his two legislative colleagues. "Our tobacco farmers are once again under assault, this time by the Canadian government. If Canada is really serious about youth smoking, I've got a solution for them, and that's to get focused on tobacco contraband and enact stronger penalties for violators," said Rouzer. "That is where the real problem lies, and they know this. What they are really up to is a back door ban of tobacco products that include American tobacco, and North Carolina's Congressional delegation should stand up and call their hand on it."
Sep 11, 2009
Stings target cigarette sales
Stores risk heavy fines if they’re caught selling tobacco to any customers under the age of 18.
A teenager walked into a Snohomish County store and asked to buy a pack of smokes.While the teen shopped, health officials and tobacco regulators secretly monitored the transaction.The buy was a sting, part of an annual compliance check to ensure that retailers are abiding by state tobacco rules, which prohibit their sale to anyone under 18.
The cost to a teen who takes up a cigarette-smoking habit could be a lifelong addiction to nicotine, Snohomish County health officials said.
“Addiction to tobacco products often starts during adolescence. People pay a steep price for this addiction, with long-term illness and shortened lives,” said Dr. Gary Goldbaum, the head of the Snohomish Health District.
Officials checked 52 retail stores and found 84 percent were in compliance, about the same as the year before, said Suzanne Pate, a spokeswoman for the health district. Seven stores were found allegedly selling tobacco to minors.
Local health officials have for the past 15 years worked with agents from the Washington State Liquor Control Board, Pate said. Teen volunteers, both girls and boys, participate with their parents’ consent.
Retail clerks who sell tobacco to minors can be individually fined $50 for a first offense. In addition, the business owner is fined $100 for a first sale to a minor, $300 for a second offense and $1,000 for a third offense plus a six-month suspension of the store’s tobacco license.
A fourth illegal sale within two years could cost the retailer $1,500 and a one-year license suspension. Further violations can result in the permanent cancellation of the store’s tobacco license.
Sep 3, 2009
Cigarettes Come In Different Varieties, But Trying To Quit Is Always The Same
What kind of cigarettes do you smoke? Do you smoke the full flavor, lites, or ultra-lites? There are several kinds of cigarettes with several different kinds of favors or strengths. It does not matter what you smoke, they all will give you the same health results. The only difference between these kinds of cigarettes is the filter. If you removed the filter from each of these different styles you would end up with the same full favor cigarette. So do not be fooled into thinking that one cigarette is any better than the other.
Almost all cigarettes are made by the same two or three companies with all of them using the same tobacco leaves. The only difference is where they are grown or the type of soil they happen to be grown in. These same leaves are then cleaned and dried with some maybe being cleaned better than some others. They might even pick some of these leaves to soon which might make a stronger smoking cigarette.
Most of you do not even think about where this cigarette was made, only the name. Most of the new smokers will use the same as their parents, but most will prefer what they call reds. This brand seems to be the most smoked brand, but there are several others that are preferred because you will find all of them still on the market. Each time the prices go up they might make another brand and sell them for less. How many times have you gone to start smoking these cheaper brands only to find that they taste awful. The really funny thing is now those brands cost almost as much as the rest.
When you find yourself really ready to quit smoking, then you should find someone to help if you can. You could get help from a neighbor or your best friend that has stopped smoking or a local support group. Support groups are even available on line. No matter who you find to help, they will have to be there for you no matter what. Since this person is there for you try to follow them in whatever they tell you. It will be up to you to stay with the program and try using all of the products on the market. You can even find some on-line that could really help too. The first step is deciding to quit. The rest is up to you and it is going to be hard to be ready for the battle.
Almost all cigarettes are made by the same two or three companies with all of them using the same tobacco leaves. The only difference is where they are grown or the type of soil they happen to be grown in. These same leaves are then cleaned and dried with some maybe being cleaned better than some others. They might even pick some of these leaves to soon which might make a stronger smoking cigarette.
Most of you do not even think about where this cigarette was made, only the name. Most of the new smokers will use the same as their parents, but most will prefer what they call reds. This brand seems to be the most smoked brand, but there are several others that are preferred because you will find all of them still on the market. Each time the prices go up they might make another brand and sell them for less. How many times have you gone to start smoking these cheaper brands only to find that they taste awful. The really funny thing is now those brands cost almost as much as the rest.
When you find yourself really ready to quit smoking, then you should find someone to help if you can. You could get help from a neighbor or your best friend that has stopped smoking or a local support group. Support groups are even available on line. No matter who you find to help, they will have to be there for you no matter what. Since this person is there for you try to follow them in whatever they tell you. It will be up to you to stay with the program and try using all of the products on the market. You can even find some on-line that could really help too. The first step is deciding to quit. The rest is up to you and it is going to be hard to be ready for the battle.
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