44% of Irish smokers admitted that they would consider quitting smoking if the price of tobacco products went up in the Budget, according to the latest Consumer Insights survey by Empathy Research.
Of 962 participants, women said they were the most likely (50%) to consider quitting if prices went up, compared to men (39%).
The government announced yesterday that the price of a packet of cigarettes would rise 40 cent from today, with the price of roll-your-own tobacco increasing 20 cent per 25g pack.
Over half of smokers aged 25-34 years old (51%) and 35-44 years old (50%) said they would consider quitting smoking if prices increased, while the 18-24 year old age group was slightly less likely, with 42% saying they’d consider it. Those aged 45-54 (44%) were similarly inclined while the 55+ were the least likely to quit based on price pressures (30%).
Regionally, Dublin smokers are the most likely to consider quitting, with 49% planning to give up smoking if tobacco prices rose in the Budget. This is higher than all the other regions; Rest of Leinster (45%), Munster (44%) and Connacht/Ulster (36%).
Furthermore, almost a quarter (22%) of smokers said that they would consider taking up e-cigarettes or vaporisers if the price of tobacco increased in the Budget. Slightly more male smokers (25%) than female smokers (19%) were of this opinion, while one in 10 smokers said they would consider switching to a cheaper brand. However, over a third (35%) of smokers said that an increase in tobacco prices would not have an impact on their smoking behaviour.
When asked if they think plain packaging would deter them from buying they preferred brand, just 14% of Irish smokers said it would discourage them. More male smokers (17%) were of this opinion compared to female smokers (9%). Age-wise, smokers aged under 45 years are most likely to be influenced by plain packaging compared to older age groups; 18-24 (17%), 25-34 (15%), 35-44 (18%), 45-54 (9%) and 55+ (7%). However, the majority (86%) of Irish smokers believe plain packaging would not deter them from buying their brand.
© 2014 - Checkout Magazine by Genna Patterson
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