PHOTO
08 August 2017
The selective tax on tobacco that was recently implemented in Saudi Arabia had no impact on around 48 percent of smokers who maintained the same consumption patterns after the tax went into effect, according to an opinion poll by the Consumer Protection Association in Saudi Arabia (CPA).
The poll, covering 2,398 participants, showed that 19 per cent of smokers significantly reduced their tobacco intake after the tax was introduced, while 16 per cent said they moderately reduced tobacco intake. A further 17 per cent said they limited reduction of tobacco consumption as a result of the increase in the cost of cigarettes.
A large proportion of smokers shifted to cheaper brands of cigarettes that now cost 12 Saudi riyals after the tax. They also shifted to smaller packs that cost 9 riyals and contain 10 cigarettes, tobacco retailers told the newspaper.
Shisha coffee shops maintained the same level of customers before the selective tax went into effect, with a limited increase in the cost, estimated at 2 riyals.
Saudi Arabia started implementing a 100 percent selective tax on tobacco and energy drink products and 50 percent on soft drinks from June 10. The move is aimed at boosting the kingdom's revenues and encouraging people to adopt healthier options.
Around 70 percent of smokers want to quit smoking, according to statistical reports in the kingdom, but only 5 percent of them succeed in kicking the habit without medical assistance, with the majority trying to quit seven times before succeeding. The reports add that 29.7 percent of smokers in Saudi Arabia started the habit before age 15, while 60.9 percent started before they were 18 years old.
Saudi now offers a free support programme available across the kingdom for smokers who would like to quit their tobacco addiction.
© Zawya 2017
The selective tax on tobacco that was recently implemented in Saudi Arabia had no impact on around 48 percent of smokers who maintained the same consumption patterns after the tax went into effect, according to an opinion poll by the Consumer Protection Association in Saudi Arabia (CPA).
The poll, covering 2,398 participants, showed that 19 per cent of smokers significantly reduced their tobacco intake after the tax was introduced, while 16 per cent said they moderately reduced tobacco intake. A further 17 per cent said they limited reduction of tobacco consumption as a result of the increase in the cost of cigarettes.
A large proportion of smokers shifted to cheaper brands of cigarettes that now cost 12 Saudi riyals after the tax. They also shifted to smaller packs that cost 9 riyals and contain 10 cigarettes, tobacco retailers told the newspaper.
Shisha coffee shops maintained the same level of customers before the selective tax went into effect, with a limited increase in the cost, estimated at 2 riyals.
Saudi Arabia started implementing a 100 percent selective tax on tobacco and energy drink products and 50 percent on soft drinks from June 10. The move is aimed at boosting the kingdom's revenues and encouraging people to adopt healthier options.
Around 70 percent of smokers want to quit smoking, according to statistical reports in the kingdom, but only 5 percent of them succeed in kicking the habit without medical assistance, with the majority trying to quit seven times before succeeding. The reports add that 29.7 percent of smokers in Saudi Arabia started the habit before age 15, while 60.9 percent started before they were 18 years old.
Saudi now offers a free support programme available across the kingdom for smokers who would like to quit their tobacco addiction.
© Zawya 2017
