1) Raise taxes for cigarettes. Make them expensive to purchase.

2) Ban tobacco advertisements and sponsorships in all shapes and forms.

3) Ban smoking in all public and private areas.

4) Subsidize Nicotine patches, gum, inhalers and Chantix/Wellbutrin – anything it takes to quit.

5) Compulsory anti tobacco education from kindergarten onwards

6) Cover at least half of all cigarette packages with graphic images of consequences of smoking.

I am sure the above measures can work in Jordan and other Middle eastern countries as well as anywhere else in the world.

What curbed smoking in the USA was a 3-pronged approach of legislation (banning smoking in specific spaces), followed by changes to those spaces (special smoking rooms with high-power exhaust systems; signage; removal of ashtrays), and lastly ever-increasing taxation on tobacco. Awareness campaigns are part of the toolbox, but people’s behavior seems more changeable when things affect them personally (discomfort, cost).

I wish I could get hold of one of those to shake around Amman.

The Irish labels are quite stark – SMOKERS DIE YOUNGER – but I agree, photos hold more power than text. Not to detract from the Egyptian and Jordanian efforts, but a high-resolution photo packs more punch than a cartoon.

Recall those ancient TV ads by Yul Brynner and other ancient “stars”? Death-bed speeches about “Kids, don’t start…”?

Astounding US laws still coddle tobacco, especially as the US market has so dwindled. Kudos to all the parents out there who don;t light up, likely the best preventative measure there is to new smokers.

Shocking smoking stories from Jordan. Time for a new post!

Time to educate the kids. They will annoy their parents who will support a tax if implemented little by little over time.

I have no idea what cigarette packs cost since I never buy them. I could ask one of my friends who smokes occasionally the price they pay if you want to know.

Yes, smoking is a really sad phenomenon – physically and financially.

Jordan is in desperate need for money given the coming challenges it faces in energy and water so I am all for a high tax on tobacco there. Unfortunately, I don’t think it will happen given how entrenched the practice is in the lifestyles of Jordanians. If the policeman themselves are constantly smoking, what hope do we have that they will enforce a tobacco tax?

Any idea who or what group sponsored the Flower Festival? It seems that anti-smoking campaign was effective.

Also – what does a pack of cigarettes cost in Saudi Arabia? I have smoking freinds in Ireland who would regularly skip lunches or go without a new pair of shoes in order to have cash for their smokes. But that’s true addiction. I think Jordan could see positive change if they also raised tobacco prices via taxation or other levies: money could be used to fund health programs.

Thanks for your comments, it’s fantastci to see what’s happening in someone else’s hometown!