Display of cigarettes luring minors into smoking

What you need to know:

Did you know that the direct display of tobacco products such as cigarettes could easily lure your child into smoking?

According to the Global Youth Tobacco Survey (GYTS), 2010, annually 15 per cent of boys and 13 per cent of girls in secondary schools start smoking.

Moses Talibita, a legal officer at Uganda National Health Consumers’ Organisation (UNHCO), says most of these young people start smoking at an early stage because they are exposed to tobacco while still young and the most common exposure nowadays is the way tobacco products are displayed.

In a simple survey that was done by this newspaper around Kibuli, a Kampala suburb on the display of cigarettes in shops and supermarkets close to schools in the area, we found that cigarettes were on display either at the counter or at the entrance of the shop, where they can easily be seen.

In another survey that was done by UNHCO in 16 schools around Kampala, they found supermarkets and shops close to these schools displaying cigarettes along with either toys, snacks or toys that are considered to be sections for children.

In an interview with this newspaper, Dr Sheila Ndanabangi, the national focal chairperson, Tobacco Control in the Ministry of Health, says, “Such display of tobacco products in places that are close to facilities such as schools entice young people below the age of 21 to start consuming these products.”

According to the coordinator of the Uganda Health Communication Alliance (UHCA), Richard Baguma, this happens because young people below 21 cannot essentially make their own decisions.

“Below 21, children are normally in primary and high school and it is also true that their decision making faculties are not yet informed. So when they see cigarettes strategically displayed in supermarkets and shops and connect this with the tobacco product advertisements on TV, they will easily be enticed into buying the product.”

Additionally, Talibita says cigarettes are packaged in boxes that have bright colours such as red and blue that are appealing to the eye. “These are attractive colours and at times children, especially the young ones are inquisitive so they will keep on wondering what is in that pack and they will not stop until they get to see or even use it.”

Talibita adds that cigarettes are also strategically displayed for example, in supermarkets; they are displayed at the counter.

So while someone might not find them in the aisles, when they come to pay at the counter where every customer goes, this will appeal to most of the emotions especially the eyes and the mind so you will start building mental pictures and of course the young people and other groups will be lured into buying the product.

The law
However, according to the Tobacco Control Act 2015, such display of tobacco products is illegal. Section 16, subsection 3 of the act restricts display or making visible a tobacco product at any point of sale other than being visible momentarily at the time of sales transaction.

Talibita explains that at such an interaction, “the person buying is making an informed decision and is negotiating for a product not because they have been lured into buying it but because they are informed about their choice. This also takes away deceptive advertising that this person is not attracted by the colours but actually knows what they are asking for.”

The law says a person shall not sell tobacco through an automatic vending machine or by delivery or mail or order via the internet or telecommunication.

Talibita explains that, “the intention of the framers of this law was that the person who intends to buy a tobacco product must make an independent decision that must be informed by their capacity which is age, meaning they must be of age which is 21 as per this law.”

According to section 14 (4) paragraph A says, “Notwithstanding subsection 1, the following may be allowed, plain black and white pricelists as may be prescribed may be made available on request where tobacco products are sold. Provided the pricelists contain no material other than the product brand name, package quantity and price as well as a prescribed health warning and any other information that may be prescribed by the ministry.”

Talibita explains that the black and white takes away the colours that might be appealing and simply having a price list takes away the language on the packing that might lure young people into the habit and since it is only given on request.

What is being done

Talibita says the implementation process is starting this week and it will take different forms such as sensititsation and enforcement. “We appreciate that this is a new law and the enforcers need to be oriented on what they are supposed to do. The citizens also need to be empowered because this law empowers people to self regulate in their communities especially if there are people who are contravening the law. So we are rolling out our implementation plan.”

Baguma also added that at the moment, the team that is in charge of implementing the law has already started acting.

“In the first phase, we are educating and sensitizing the community. Since it is the responsibility of the business owners to ensure that they do not sell these products to minors, we are trying to create awareness among such communities. We are also talking to people who run children institutions make sure that tobacco is not sold in and around places intended for children.”