Tax increase may push smokers to call Quitline in newyear

Smokers thinking about making a new year resolution to quit have been given extra motivation with a tax increase of 10 per cent.

The tax rise takes the average price of a pack of 20 cigarettes now to $ 17.20. A 30- gram pouch of tobacco is $ 38.

The tax increases started in 2011 and, over the past three years, has increased by 40 per cent.

Quitline communications manager Sarah Woods said the combination of new year resolutions and the price increase meant January would be a busy time for the organisation.

‘‘ When the price tipping point for already thinking goes up, it is the people who are about quitting. Last year we had about 7000 who quit with us in January, the year before 8500. The average per month is about 4000, so that is about double.’’

For those who wanted to quit, it was important to make a plan and set a quit date, she said.

‘‘ Planning is really important, things like making your home and car smokefree. your behaviour behaviours.

‘‘ For example, most people would smoke with a coffee in the morning, so changing that can help.’’

One person who insisted she would not be quitting yesterday was Missy Boynton.

However, the Then think about and changing your

Wellington

barista said the price hike would make her cut down on her usual intake of 10 or so a day.

‘‘ I’ll probably try to that.’’

She paid $ 50 at the moment for a 40- gram tobacco pouch. When the price reached $ 70, she would seriously consider quitting, she said.

smoke half

of PRICE OF 25- PACK CIGGIES Jan 1, 2011: $ 14.40 2012: $ 16.40 2013: $ 18.45 2014: $ 21.75 2015 ( projected): $ 23.90 2016 ( projected): $ 26.30 30- GRAM TOBACCO POUCH 2011: $ 25.50 2012: $ 31 2013: $ 35.40 2014: $ 38 2015 ( projected): $ 42 2016 ( projected): $ 46.20