March 2022 marks 30 years of publication of BMJ journal Tobacco Control. Members of the Tobacco Control Research Group (TCRG) at the University of Bath have been honoured to have their research included in the journal on many occasions. The journal plays a vital role in enhancing understanding of the causes of the tobacco epidemic, and the policy changes needed to overcome these.
We are delighted that several TCRG members, working alongside colleagues in other institutions, have had papers included in this special issue. The breadth of topics covered highlights TCRG's international, multi-disciplinary approach.
Where to next for countries with high tobacco taxes? The potential for greater control of tobacco pricing through licensing regulation, co-authored by Dr Rob Branston
This paper is aimed at policymakers in countries that have already adopted best practice tax policy. It explores the idea of wholesale price capping combined with retail licensing to address problems including brand proliferation and strategic under/overshifting of tax increases. The aim would be to increase the effectiveness of tobacco tax policy while also raising additional tax revenue for governments by reducing industry profitability.
Understanding the long-term policy influence strategies of the tobacco industry: two contemporary case studies, co-authored by Tom Hird, Allen Gallagher, Mateusz Zatoński, Sarah Dance and Anna Gilmore
This paper explores transnational tobacco companies’ long-term policy influence strategies using two case studies, harm reduction and illicit tobacco, to identify lessons for the tobacco control movement and wider efforts to address the commercial determinants of health. This paper is dedicated to the memory of our dear colleague Mateusz Zatoński.
Evaluating tobacco industry ‘transformation’: a proposed rubric and analysis, co-authored by Anna Gilmore
Some tobacco companies claim they are ‘transforming’ by adopting harm reduction goals or even seeking to achieve a ‘smokefree’ world. What characterises transformation and whether companies can or are transforming is unclear. This paper investigates tobacco industry transformation by exploring the definition and criteria for evaluating transformation, and assesses whether transformation is occurring and feasible.
Waterpipe tobacco smoking (WTS) control policies: global analysis of available legislation and equity considerations, co-authored by Hala Alaouie
The Framework Convention on Tobacco Control offers guidance on evidence-based policies to reduce tobacco consumption and its burden of disease. Recently, it has provided guidance for alternative tobacco products, such as the waterpipe which is prevalent worldwide. This paper updates a previous global review of waterpipe tobacco policies and assesses their impact on health inequities.
Many congratulations to Tobacco Control on its 30th Anniversary. We look forward to sharing more of our research in future issues.