The Economics of Tobacco Policy

Tobacco Control Factsheets - The Economics of Tobacco Policy
David Collins and Helen Lapsley


Introduction

As the epidemiological and medical evidence of the dangers of tobacco consumption has accumulated, the tobacco industry has shifted its defensive position to one based largely on economic arguments. At the same time, it has been recognised that certain economic measures are effective in tobacco control. This Factsheet reviews the economics of tobacco policy and critically evaluates the major economic arguments used by the tobacco industry to influence policymakers. It should be read in conjunction with the TCRC-UICC Factsheets on Tobacco Taxation [LINK] and Smuggling of Tobacco Products [LINK]./.../