TEAM D S =-ICATE PROBLEM AND ANSWER AI)V-zRTISI.NG A2lTD OTHER RESTRICTIONS Smoking and He2.lth Issues Conference Chelwood 5-8 November, 1979. (Z) cc BATCo document for Province of BritiSh Columbia 28 October 1999 TEAM D PROBLEM FOUR - ADVERTISING -0D OTHER RESTRICTIONS In view of the experience, mainly in industrial countries, of government restrictions, (advertising bans, sponsorship control, packaging rules, etc.), what action is reco=ended to: (a) Avoid further restrictions. (b) Ensure that our priorities are maintained in negotiations with governments. (c) Recover lost ground if possible. W Convince governments that restrictions MA7 be against their.interests, as well as those of the industry. What differences, if any, should we make in our approach in, developing countries as opposed to industrialised countries. How much reliance should -we place on political lobbying, and how much on research and evidence. To what extent should we enlist the help of the media, advertising associations, other industries, etc., and should -we consider them allies, neutral or opponents? BATCo document for Province of British Columbia 28 October 1999 Problem Four: Advertising and Other Restrictions These restrictions are the tangible consequences of the overall attack on the industry, and therefore all target groups of the public were to be considered in our defence. Because different countries are at different s-cages of restrictions, we have listed many of the restrictions in am approximate likely order of imposition in the appendix. Assuming a clean slate to begin with there are certain essential preparations which are necessary from the outset. These must, include the establishment of an Industry Association and almost certainly a Code. This may be necessary in order to demonstrate responsibility later on, and enables government to claim that they "have done something" - which is what they need in answer to pressure groups. Because the public at large and smoking acceptability in general have am obvious impact, we consider that third party publicity on the passive smoking issue is also a necessary pre- requisite. Other groups to be prepared beforehand are the workforce, the trade- union, the Agencies, the farmers and the media owners who will be required in the defence activities and who could be persuaded to contribute to saving one of their most impor,:ant sources of business. Once Government approaches to this industry beg-_4z the selection of countermeasures will depend on the precise approach used. aovever, almost any situation will require the presentation of the METRA report and a prepared defence against the spurious charge of social cost. Esvecially in less developed countries personal contact can often be wor-.h more than all other aefence measures put together, The argument 'against over restriction by Government generally will normally need to be made over the heads of tte government to the public at large, as in California, but different political climates may make this more or less feasible and productive. In less develoced countries this method might also Intaganise the Government. In submitting this general defence package we recognise that each territory will not only have to select its moves but also its timing of each move. While each restriction needs to be anticipated, care must be taken not to encourage the Government to advance the next one. A low key approach is more likely to be appropriate in less developed countries. The chances of regaining lost ground seem slim, but if it can be shown after a period that restrictions have had no impact on volume, attempts to reverse legislation can first be directed against the more silly and impractical restrictions such as those covering public smoking. Subsequent research successes may permit further zp~proaches. C__ CC BATCo document for Province of British Columbia 28 October 1999 - 3 - The appendix also slu-narises action to try to convince the governments that restrictions can be to their disadvantage. Again, the importance of some items will vary according to political sensibilities. In less developed countries an appeal on civil liberties is most unlikely to be advantageous, while the loss of revenue aspect will be an immediate consideration. Similarly, the cost and practicability of administration will receive varying receptions. Throughout the passage of negotiations down our list of restrictions the individual attitudes of ministers and senior civil servants will be important, as will be the degree of reaction bythe bureaucrats towards the crusade of the zealots. CX-1 BATCO document for Province of British Columbia 28 October 1999 Flip Charts PUBLIC AFFAIRS PROGRAZIE 1. IDF-NTIFY TARGET GROUPS. 2. FORM 121MUSTRY ASSOCIATION ( IF NOT IN EXISTANCE) 3. DEVELOP I',IMUSTRY CODE. 4. SPECIFIC ACTION: METRA PASSIVE SMOKING SOCIAL COSTS INDUSTRY/COXPANY IMAGE AND ECONOMIC IMPORT-LITCZ -AND SOCIAL ACCEPTABILITY SMOKER REASSLTEANCE LOBBYING/PERSONAL CONTACTS ASSOCIATED PRODUCTS/CORPORAT-r IMAGE TARGET GROUPS GOV'ZILITMENT VUBLIC FINANCIAL COHMERCI-IL INTER2XAL OVERSEAS ALLIES BATCo document for Province of British Columbia 28 October 1999 COMMUNICATIONS RESTRICTIONS T.V. RADIO CINEMA PRESS OUTDCOR POINT OF SATIV SPONSORSHIP PRCMCTIONS CONSL'dER CONTACT (SAMPLE/GIVE AWAYS) ILI= RESEARCH BUDGET RESTRICTIONS CD C-- BATCo document for Province of British Columbia 28 October 1999 PRCDUCT RESTRICTIONS IMAT TH WAJININGS DELIVERIES ON PACKS/ADVERTISING LEAGUE TABLES DIFFERENTIAL TAXATION LIMITS ON DELIVERY LEVELS SALES - VENDING ACE LIMITATIONS OTHER RESTRICTIONS SMOKING IN PUSLIC PLACES TAX~-ITIGN BATCo document for Province of British Columbia 28 October 1999 ACTION TO CONVINCE GOVERNMM S RESTRICTIONS AGAINST THEIR INTEREST AND TO CHANGE/NOT INITIATE 1. WE NEED TO MAI.%"AIN INFORZATION TO SMOKERS ON NZW/LOWER DELIVERIES FILTERS PRICES 2. EXCESS M CONTROLS VERSUS CIVIL LIBERTIES. 3. COST/PRACTICABILITY OF ADMINISTRATION. 4. LOSS OF REVENUE. 5. HEALTH RESEARCH. 6. COMMOMISE. C7 \ BATCo document for Province of British Columbia 28 October 1999