THE Second Icosi Meeting Brillancourt, Lausanne 771111

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THE Second Icosi Meeting Brillancourt, Lausanne 771111 - 771112

Date: Nov 1977 (est.)
Length: 22 pages
1000208720-8741
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Abstract

In 1977, the major global tobacco companies came together and formed a group called the International Committee on Smoking Issues, or ICOSI, to address their common problems: declining social acceptability of smoking, allegations that secondhand smoke harmed non-smokers, medical research that pinpointed cigarettes as a cause of disease, etc.

The American tobacco companies were apparently a leader in

The position papers that emerged from ICOSI

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Notes

Document is marked "Strictly Confidential." http://www.pmdocs.com/getallimg.asp?if=avpidx&DOCID=1000208720/8741

Quotes

POSITION PAPER

1. Medical Controversy

We acknolwedge that there is controversy over many aspects of the general problem of smoking and health. There is disagreement among medical experts as to whether the reported associations between smoking and various diseases are causal or not. Accordingly, there is a continuing need for further research into the causes of such diseases and it remains our policy to support such research. To be effective it is desireable that the tobacco industry as a whole is seen to be responsible and, within its area of competence, authoratative. Moreover, we believe it is better to speak as an industry with one voice on such matters and that this can often best be accomplished by national associations of manufacturers. In this connection we believe it important that the industry assure that all appropriate members are kept advised of pertinent scientific, political, social and other developments.

2. Social Awareness, Responsibility and the Social Acceptability of Smoking

Because there is a general sensitivity in respect of our products per se, we should at all times be particularly vigilant in ensuraing that we remain beyone reproach concerning the ordinary duties and obligations we owe both our consumers and our workers.

Whilst the opponents of smoking use emotional arguments rather than scientific facts in their attempts to make smoking socially unacceptable, we must ensure that we never knowingly mislead our consumers who muyst believe that as manufacturers at all times we are acting responsible and have concern for their interests. We should state quite properly and responsibly that in view of the smoking and health controversy that recongizes that the causation issue remains controversial and unresolved.

We take the view that to date there is no persuasive scientific evidence to support the contention that the non-smoker is harmed by the tobacco smoke of others. However, it is our position that both smokers and non-smokers should be considerate of each other.

3. Disclosure of Information

We should influence as far as proper medical an dofficial opinion againsgt incautious imposition of contstraints and any unnecessafy restrictions on smoking. To do this it may be necessary to talk to medical authorities and Government agencies.

Our legitimate objectives must include protection of the interests of our consumers....

4. The Role of Government in a Free Society

The Industry believes that smokers are well aware of the claimed health effects of smoking. Information is available to thepublic from a variety of sources. The traditional role of Government is a free society with reference to legal products is to inform people, to give them the facts or to see that they are given the facts, and to leave the exercise of free choice to the individual.

5. Warning Clauses

If Governments propose wording implying or stating smoking causes certain diseases, Companies must strenuously resist with all means at their disposal.

6. League Tables

So far there is no valid scientific basis for combining measurements of different chemical compounds in the smoke of an individual cigarette brand into a single index number as to represent a measure of implied hazard relative to other brands. Such agregation implies unjustifiable judgments of the strength of assoication between chemical compounds and diseases. Such arbirtrary indices of hazard and their introduction should be resisted wherever possible.

7. Maximum "Tar" and Nicotine Limits

The imposition of maximum "tar" and nicotine yields, as well as attempts by Governments to tax high "tar" products differentially to those with lower deliveries, should be resisted.

8. Advertising

It is the Industry view that there is no valid evidence to support the contention that advertising increases total consumption of cigarettes. Advertising may affect the sales and distribution among indivudual companies or specific brands. In attempting to obtain the best possible shares of the market cigarette manufacturers have used competetive advertising to inform the consumer of product availablility, modificat6ions and innovations.

In view of the existence of the medical controversy, in any advertising, claims, express or implied, that one cigarette is healthier or less harmful than another should be avoided. We should resist restrictions on media advertising; however, in the area of voluntary agreements with Governments we should recognize that there is a limit beyond which the Industry cannot make further concessions...

WORKING PARTY REPORTS AND ICOSI DECISIONS

...(5) Social Acceptability Working Party (SAP)...

1. Initial Concentration on Passive Smoking

The Working Party will concentrate on recommended countermeasures for the passive smoking area of social acceptability issues....

2. Summarize Scientific Data on Passive Smoking

The Working party proposes that ICOSI asks its research Working Party to prepare in international summary of scientific studies on passive smoking...This would provide an essential factual basis for all subsequent planning and recommending of countermeasures...

3. Anaylsis of New Opinion Survey Data

The Working Party proposes to carefully analyze the results of the extensive opinion research now being conducted in the U.S. The aim would be to determine which "themes" and communications techniques are most effective in communicating the facts about passive smoking to the general public and other critical audiences. This interest in shaping public opinion reflects the Working Party's desire to go beyond the industry's traidtional practice of limiting its countermeasures to governmental agencies and officials...

4. Study the Feasibility of an Internation Ad Campaign

The Working Party proposes to study the feasibility of retaining an agency to develop a countermeasure advertising campaign on passive smoking aimed at international opinion leaders. The campaign would be designed for international publications (e.g. the Economist and airline magazines).

In making this proposal the Working Party is fully aware of the practical and legal difficulties of designing and running such advertising. However, the need to tell the industry's story succinctly and to reach opinion leaders is great enough to justify at least exploring the proposal....

Company

Philip Morris Cos., Inc.

Author

N/A

Recipient

Stamped "Received" by H. Wakeham of Philip Morris

Litigation

Stmn/Produced

Type

Rept, Other Report

Subject

Social Acceptability (Social acceptability of smoking)

The industry fought the decline in social acceptability of smoking through public relations campaigns, legislation, etc.

social influence

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Page 4. 4. Study the Feasibility of an International Ad Campaign. The Working Party proposes to study the feasibility of retaining an agency to develop a countermeasure advertising campaign on passive smoking aimed at international opinion leaders. The campaign would be designed for international publications. (e.g. The Economist and airline magazines). - In making this proposal the Working Party is fully aware of the practical and legal difficulties of designing and running such advertising. However, the need to tell the industry's story succinctly and to reach opinion leaders is great enough--to justify at least exploring the proposal. In addition to exploring the ad campaign, an agency could be used to help develop P.R. programs and supportive materials for use by ICOSI members and their trade associations. 5. Explore Feasibility of Conference. The Working Party proposes to explore the feasibility of an industry- sponsored, international conference on passive smoking. Again,.the potential difficulties are many, but so are the potential benefits. There are some strong advertising and public relations possibilities. Reprints of the proceedings could be put to many uses and the impact on opinion leaders could be significant. 6. Study Feasibility of a Meeting of National Trade Associations. The Working Party proposes to study the feasibility of calling together representatives of national trade associations at a carefully-structured international meeting. The meeting would be designed to: a. Insure that each trade association is fully aware of all scientific knowledge regarding passive smoking and'is using it in the counter- measures programs. b. Make certain that each national trade association is aware of the successful countermeasures which others have been able to develop. c. Provide for an exchange of information about countermeasure activities planned for country-to-country. d. Give the national groups a briefing on the latest international developments in the passive smoking issue.

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Page 5. It was decided to ask the SAP to determine how soon the following proposals could become operative, and at what cost. The information is required by February 1, 1978. 8. Analyze Current National and International Data Series. The Working Party proposes to analyze the regular surveys now being made and reported on a national and international basis. Wherever possible, these existing report series would be incorporated into any monitoring mechanisms recommended to ICOSI. over time. The survey could focus on the passive smoking, but also include data on the "courtesy" and "social cost" aspects of social acceptability. in gauging worldwide trends and measuring the impact of countermeasures and changes on a comparable basis. It also would be of great value The Working Party proposes to explore the feasibility of developing a short standardized public opinion survey on social acceptability issues and having this survey conducted in different countries at the same time. If successful, such a survey could measure trends 9. Study Feasibility of Standard Opinion Surveys. 10. Study Feasibility of a Periodic Regulatory Review. The Working Party proposes to study the feasibility of producing a periodic review of changes in smoking laws and regulations within selected countries. Using a standardized format for every country, such a review could keep the industry abreast of'changing govern- mental restrictions around the world. This could become an increas- ingly valuable planning tool for countermeasures. As this first study has shown, anti-smoking efforts are becoming internationalized. Today's developments in one country will likely appear in others tomorrow. 11. Study Feasibility of Obtaining Regular Scientific Updates.. The Working Party proposes to work with ICOSI's research Working Party to devise a simple report form. It would be designed to alert all ICOSI members about any new scientific findings related to social acceptability issues. of trade associations when recommending monitoring mechanisms to ICOSI. Also, the possibility of using trade associations' resources to gather and disseminate data will be considered. 12. Keeping Trade Associations Informed. The Working Party proposes to carefully consider the information needs ~ Examination of the differences in attitudes and feelings between smokers and non-smokers. RJR and PM are at present working in this area and will provide the results of their work to the Social Responsibility Acceptability group.

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Page 6. Following further deliberations by ICOSI, action recommended by'the SAP will cover designated areas of North America; Western Europe and Australia. The SAP will submit, by February 1, 1978 a.list of countries to be considered for inclusion by the next ICOSI meeting.

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1000208734 TASK FORCE PROGRASI ATTACHMENT ., ..,

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ICOSI TASK FORCES The need for urgent action in three critical areas was recognized'by ICOSI and led to the formation of task forces to handle the following: . EEC-Mr. D. von Specht of BAT, Germany, will be asked to lead a task force to deal with proposals by the EEC Consumers Consultative Committee Working Party on Tobacco -- specifically the proposals con- tained in the document entitled"Opinioa of the Consumers Consultative Committee on Community Legislative Measures Concerning the Harmful Effects of Tobacco" (attached).' The task force will also be asked to deal with EEC proposals concerning " Misleading and Unfair Advertising". reach him by no later than November 21. Since this is a matter of some urgency, member companies undertook to nominate appointees (senior executives) directly to Mr. Von Spocht to Mr. von Specht and his task force will be asked to come up with an action plan as soon as possible. Member companies undertook to peruse the action plan as a priority. directly to their own companies, on a continual basis. Mr. von Specht was empowered to commence implementation of the action plans forthwith. To avoid any delays, task force members will report 2. Product Liability - ITL agreed to organize the proposed product liability ' task force. The terms of reference are: a. To state the present position with regard to product liability in the countries represented. b. To state what changes in the EEC proposals we wish to see enacted. the EEC Commission and the dates for nomination - December 1, 1977. c. To proposethe means by which these changes will be adopted by 3. Proposed Swiss Referendum - The Swiss are proposing a referendum on the advertising of tobacco and alcohol products. PM agreed to lead the task force and requested nomination to the task force from ICOSI member companies to reach Lausanne by no later than November 21. The task force will meet at the earliest given opportunity, draw up an action plan and commence its implementation. individual task force members will report directly to their own companies, As in the.case of the EEC task force and for the sake of expediency, on a continual basis.

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Consumers Consultative Committee l,'orking Party or. Tobacco OPINIOiVIOF THE CONSUMERS CONSULTATIVE COMMITTEE ON COMMUNITY LEGISLATIVE MEASURES CONCERNING THE HARMFUL EFFECTS OF TOBACCO ---------------------------------------------- Preamble The five fundamental rights embodied in the Preliminary Pro- gramme.of the European Economic Community for a Consumer Pro- tection and Information Policy (OJ No C 92, 25 April 1975) are the following: (a) Protection of health and safety (b) Protection of economic interests (c) Redress (d) Tnformation andeducation (e) Representation (the right to be heard). The problem of tobacco impinges, to a greater or lesser ex- tent, on all these rights. The report attached! to this Opinion clearly shows the harmful- ness of tobacco, and the need for the Commission to take action in this area. The following may be noied: tobacco k;_l1s four times as many people as road accidents do (Royal College of Physicians, UK, .1570).

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2 The Commission has made proposals for 43 Directives on motor vehicles: the inevitable impression is that "freedom of move- ment" is sometimes given priority over "consumer health". The Steering Committee of the CCC has therefore decided to de- liver an ftinion on tobacco, on its own initiative. The CCC adopted this Opinionon the basis of a Report by a Working Party consisting of Miss Duckham~, Mrs. Stommel, Mr. Dazzara, Mr. De Grave (Rapporteur), Mr. Nazzeri and Dr. Kasel (Expert)'. The CCC asks the Commission to give priority to the need to launch avigorous and effective anti-smoking campaign at the earliest opportunity. It is preferred that this be done inde- pendently of work on cognate matters, such as alcohol, for the CCC fears that work will be slowed down if several problems are tackled~together; it contends that work should advance on each one separately. NB: The CCC was unable to examine certain particular aspects such as: (a) Fires caused by smoking (b) The effect on health of substan ces in filters (asbestos, fungicides incorporated in the paper). LEGAL BASIS Legislation on tobacco varies very widely from one country to another, as shown in detail in Annex I to the Report. Community action under Article 100 of the Treaty is therefore not only

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3 entirely feasible, but also necessary. Such action should be based on the most advanced national laws. Proposals by the CCC A. Tobacco advertising: space 1. All tobacco advertising should be strictly prohibited, ex- cept for the displaying of product information inside tobacco- nists' shops, in accordance with predetermined Community rules, on such matters as prices, tar content and so on. Tbba.cco advertising includes the advertising of tobacco by the media (i.e. the press, radio, television, posters and illumi- nated signs);. by aerial or outdoor displays; and~ indirect ad- vertising through other product advertising (for example, the inclusion of tobacco brand-names on ashtrays, glasses, clothing 2. The snonsorship of arts and sports events by tobacco com- par.ies (and consequent advertising) should be prohibited. B. ?Wiarketing practices associated with~ advertising 1. Free public distribution of cigarettes by tobacco coinpaniesl representatives (for example, at sports functions) should be prohibited. 2. The sale of cigarettes from automatic slot machines should be prohibited. 3. All cigarette packets should carry a clearly visible health warning, with a strongly worded me3sage, and should contain a

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pointed~. slip oiving suggestions for reducing the risk (smoke fe%:,er'cigarettes, inhale less, etc.). ment of the tar and nicotine content, and the carbon monoxide 4. All cigarette packets should carry a clearly visible state- . content. C. Initiatives to discourage smoking The following measures should be taken: phone boxes; waiting rooms and corridors in hospitals, doctors surgEries', clinics (except smoking-rooms), etc. and in public halls, mwseums, art galleries, public libraries; foodshops; : .. . buses, tube-trains; theatres, cinemas, conference and concert' 1. Smoking should be prohibited in the following public places: offices; lifts. tels, restaurar.ts,`bars, public houses; shops (other than food-. places: trains, long-distance coaches, aircraft; airports; ho- Smoking should be restricted and, where appropriate, the pro- vision of non-smoking areas extended, in the following public .. _.,. . . . ., shons). as a deterrent from smoking the more dangerous cigarettes. (for example, in.tobacconists' shcps, in cigarette packets, etc. tests should be'carried out and the findings given prominence 2. Regular carbon monoxide, tar and nicotine content analysis 3. The sale of cigarettes to minors should be prohibited~, and .; :,..:,.. . . . . the law strictly enforced. 4. The cheapi:ale of cigarettes to members of the armed forces should be stopped.

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5. Further research into the development of less dangerous cii-arettes should be encouraged (filtration methods, tobacco substitutes, etc.). 6. Further research should be undertaken onismol;ing habits (especially of children) and on the methods of stopping smok- .ing, such as smoking withdrawal clinics. 7. An evaluation should be made of the various products or devices on the market to assist consumers to stop smoking; information about their efficacy should be made available to consumers. 8. Concerted health education campaigns should be encouraged, and especially aimed at target groups, both actual and poten- tial s2r.ol:ers or dissuaders: for exa..,Yle, young people, p regnant %-oner., the armed forces, industrial and other high-risk workers; doctors, teachers, parents. Rz:;ular health education teaching should be included in the pro grar.!me of all schools. 9. As an immediate step, the CCC asks the Commission to launch, as soon as possible, a major information campaign on smoking, in conjunction with representatives of the consumer organizations. The Cor;r,iittee calls for the establishment of a group bringing together the Directorates-General concerned and representatives of the consumer organizations. This group could study the tactics for the information campaign and the role of the con- sumer organizations wishing to be associated.

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