Today, a ban on the sale of “menthols” comes into force throughout the European Union. Interestingly, Poles will feel its effects the most. Interia.pl:
In no other European country is the percentage of people smoking such products among all smokers as high as in Poland. In Poland, “menthols” are chosen by 42 percent of all smokers, which translates into more than 3 million people.
Worldwide, we ranked second in this respect—right behind Americans.
Will the shadow economy benefit from this? Maciej Ptaszyński, Vice President of the Polish Chamber of Commerce, Maciej Ptaszyński warns:
It is important to raise consumer awareness so that people do not look for menthol products at bazaars. Products of unknown origin meet no quality standards.
Across our eastern border, the supply of these cigarettes is not restricted in any way. There are factories there that produce cigarettes intended for smuggling. The shadow economy is not merely a matter of the proverbial individual putting one or two cartons in a private car. The main problem is that there are huge factories with enormous production capacities that produce cigarettes specifically intended for smuggling and placing them on the market in other countries.
(Quote from polsatnews.pl).
What do you think? Will you miss “menthols”? We invite you to join the discussion.