Abstract
By the spreading of myths, the tobacco industry (TI) has long sought to weaken or delay the adoption of effective tobacco control measures that reduce tobacco consumption. Through the medium of myths, TI uses its economic power, lobbying, marketing or media manipulation to discredit scientific research and to distribute its products.
TI globally interferes with tobacco control and seeks the role of a socially responsible partner with governments in this area. The revised EU Tobacco Products Directive (TDP) 2014/40/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council, which sets minimum rules for tobacco products in EU member states, has been identified as the most lobbied dossier in the history of the EU.
TI was particularly concerned about the proposal to introduce plain packaging and a ban on displays at points of sale. These two measures were not finally included into the revised TDP and according to the Ministry of Agriculture and Ministry of Industry and Trade of the Czech Republic, that are responsible for the relevant decrees, the CR also does not plan to adopt them.
Could the influence of TI be behind this? Monitoring the activities of TI is important. Civil society can also draw attention to them.