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Tobacco company criticised for targeting women

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Summary of story from The Journal online, pilule June 1, 2011

A doctor at Wansbeck Hospital in Northumberland, in north east England, has condemned the British American Tobacco company (BAT) for intentionally targeting their new cigarette range at women.

Consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist Dr Shonag Mackenzie has joined forces with other anti-smoking groups in response to the ‘outrageous’ efforts of the tobacco giant to introduce a trendy, ‘demi-slim’ Vogue Perle , specifically aimed at female smokers.

Dr Mackenzie says the higher numbers of women smokers in the Northumberland region make it a target for the tobacco firm, and campaigners have cited a trade magazine in which BAT suggests that they are targeting the area as more mid-priced cigarettes are sold there than anywhere else in the UK.

The new cigarette packets are a “compact box that fits easily into a pocket or handbag” and have been designed in Paris, a fact that will be featured on the packaging.

The north east of England has about 250,000 female adult smokers and Dr Mackenzie says she treats women whose smoking has had a negative impact on their baby’s growth on a weekly basis.

She said “I am appalled. It is simply outrageous that they are allowed to get away with this. I think people will be shocked.

“It’s clear they are focusing on the North East because more women smoke here than in other part of the country and it’s a prime market for them to reap.

“The frightening thing is that it is young teenage girls who don’t yet smoke but are probably experimenting who are most likely to be influenced by this advertising”

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