Recommendations

Dissemination workshop

Self-reported price of cigarettes, consumption and compensatory behaviours in a cohort of Mauritian smokers before and after a tax increase

Discussions and Recommendations

1. It was proposed that participants to the workshop officially and to any future activities declare their non-interest to the tobacco industry.
2. It was proposed that the increase in taxation takes into account the inflation rate and income growth.
3. It was suggested that tobacco products should not be included as essential goods in the CPI.
4. The representative from the MRA confirmed that there has been an increase in excise duty. It was also noted that cigarette packages have mandatory excise stamps while cigarette packages meant for ship stores/trans-shipment and duty free shops do not carry such stamp. The issue of ‘white’ cigarettes offered at low price was also raised.
5. The issue of manufacturing cigarettes in the free port was viewed as being in contradiction with the WHO FCTC.
6. It was proposed to scale up smoking cessation treatment in order to help more smokers to quit smoking.
7. It was proposed to carry out a proper evaluation of the smoking cessation clinics before extending the service.
8. It was pointed out that price and tax measures is one of the most effective way in reducing demand for tobacco products. However, a holistic approach has to be adopted as recommended by the Framework Convention, should include information, education and training, sensitisation, a comprehensive ban on advertising, promotion and sponsorship, packaging and labeling and enforcement among others.
9. It was proposed to include the age group 13-18 yrs in future surveys.
10. It was generally agreed that sensitisation programmes should target youth while workers should be sensitised on smoking cessation treatment.
11. It was proposed that employers should participate in the process of helping workers to stop smoking. The involvement of the private sector in providing smoking cessation services was suggested.  It was proposed that employers should eliminate demarcated areas at workplaces and encourage employees to attend smoking cessation clinics.