Tobacco: Philip Morris’ new strategy of seduction in Paris

Constants tobacco price increases, Evin law which prohibits in particular the advertising of tobacco products and smoke in public places, are harming industrialists in the sector. The company Philip Morris has found a way to continue to seduce new consumers, even if it means breaking the law … The juggernaut, which notably manufactures Marlboro, organizes illegal promotional evenings in the capital to flirt with new users of its new Iqos product. The Parisian reveals the information in a survey that shows how the company circumvents the ban on advertising: restaurateurs and owners of Parisian bars would be paid to canvass customers by having them test the electronic product Iqos (I quit ordinary smoking) . What is it about ? Iqos is the latest product developed by the brand to counter the electronic cigarette and dealing with declines in cigarette sales. It consists of a stick to be inserted into an electronic device based on glycerin and tobacco heated without smoke. It would be less toxic than a conventional cigarette, according to the manufacturer. A promise that remains to be demonstrated.

“A crime with the complicity of the waiter”

Harmful or not, remains that the speech made by the representatives of the mark in these promotional evenings is perfectly established. They take over from the waiters or restaurateurs once they have convinced customers to try Iqos, often in exchange for a free drink. The managers, waiters and restaurateurs receive in return gift vouchers, according to the team of the Parisian who entered with a hidden camera in one of these evenings.

This practice is illegal, recalls the Directorate General of Health (DGS), questioned about this phenomenon by the newspaper. This is a “crime with the complicity of the restaurateur / waiter. It is double if the drink offered is alcohol.” The DGS specifies that it will redouble its vigilance. According to her, the tobacco industry is not its first “violation of the law”.

Read also

Seniors who vape are more at risk of pneumonia

Electronic cigarettes soon to be sold in UK hospitals?

All you need to know about stopping smoking