A poster, leaflets and a neutral maxi-package. The gesture is symbolic, but the protest is real. The tobacconists growl against the neutral package and intend to be heard.
The fight is organized against the neutral package. The Confederation of tobacconists sent a “combat kit” to its members on March 4. It consists of a giant poster, 250 leaflets and a neutral maxi-package of 30 centimeters. But above all, a slogan: “that is humiliation.” With this action, tobacconists want to protest against a measure they consider humiliating for consumers and sellers of cigarettes.
The call to consumers
The tobacconists do not want the neutral package and want to make it understood to the Minister of Health. In addition to the fight kits distributed to tobacconists, the Confederation is asking consumers who want to protest to take their picture with the neutral maxi-package and to post this selfie on social networks. An operation #neutralpackage not very followed at the moment.
#NotPackageNeutral & #tobacco : From to #selfie , tobacconists in action. Buzz or Bluff? http://t.co/KWnc7dpmHl pic.twitter.com/YVthCnTwaM
– Favrel Patrick (@PatrickFavrel) March 3, 2015
#neutralpackage pic.twitter.com/TgXGTjms5p
– Scajola Joris (@Toyotayoris) March 3, 2015
Among the other arguments of tobacconists, the limited effectiveness of the neutral package. Without a logo, it will now display a photograph illustrating the harmful effects of tobacco (throat cancer, gangrene, damaged teeth, etc.) and a warning. But this new packaging does not convince the French: a poll carried out in June 2014 revealed that 73% of those polled consider the neutral package unnecessary. Shock images also seem ineffective: a minority of young smokers remember photographs and messages, according to a study published in Tobacco Control.
Unanimous scientific literature
But overall, the scientific literature seems to lean in favor of standardized packaging, confirming the initiative of Australia, UK and Ireland. The Australian example has shown that the plain package reduces smoking through a marketing effect. Cigarettes, from packages 80% covered with shock photos and warnings, seem less pleasant and of lower quality.
A more recent meta-analysis, published in the prestigious journal Addiction, concludes that the neutral package saves lives. This packaging would reduce the desire to smoke, the absence of a brand name or logo shifts the attention to the health display. Another, more unexpected result: the unsightly packaging pushes smokers to hide the packet in their bag or in their pocket… and logically reduces the number of cigarettes smoked.
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