[Intl-tobacco] BAT Korea Launches Website Against Smoking

[Robert Weissman]

BAT Korea Launches Website Against Smoking

by  kdh@koreatimes.co.kr
SOUTH KOREA;
Source: Korea Daily  (Hankook Ilbo), Tuesday, 10/31/00

  It seems ironic that tobacco companies launch campaigns advising
people to
quit smoking in view of their conventional business strategy, which has
mainly
centered on persuading people to smoke.

  As a matter of fact, they have thrived in raising their revenues
through
costly and attractive advertisements on television and radio as well as
in
newspapers and many other media forms.

  However, the world's most influential tobacco group is now preparing
to
launch a website aimed at curbing under-age smoking dealing with
smoking-related issues in society.

  John Taylor, president of British American Tobacco (BAT) Korea Co.,
said
yesterday that the website (www.batkorea.com) will contain a wide  range
of
information ranging from how to quit smoking to their business strategy
for
adult consumers.

  The company's press release said that the service includes various
consumer-oriented information such as how to give up smoking, why a
smoking is
dangerous and how to get objective medical information on nicotine, tar
and
other ingredients of tobacco.

  ``The primary purpose of the site is to offer precise information for
our
consumers' health,'' it said.

  Amid the current social trend of many people trying to quit smoking,
the site
 advises that smokers can quit as long as they have belief in themselves
and
motivation.

  BAT is a multinational tobacco conglomerate and markets best-selling
cigarette brands such as Dunhill, Kool, Kent and Lucky Strike.

  The website also offers online discussions in an effort to share
detailed and
scientific information with customers.

  Though a number of anti-smoking websites by  consumers or civic
organizations, in addition to health warning printed on  every pack of
cigarettes, it is the first time a tobacco company has publicly spoken
out on
the issue of smoking-related health problems in Korea.

  For instance, the site is planning to offer a wide range of
statistical
information on smoking-related diseases. In addition, the company will
also
explain its stance on smoking and cigarette marketing as well as
smoking-related laws or provisions and the company's long-term
contributions to
national coffer.