Medical associations and anti-smoking groups called for “bold action” by government to cut the smoking rate from 18 to below 10 per cent in the next decade and ensure all citizens are protected against second-hand smoke within five years.

“It is time for a new national commitment to end the tobacco epidemic for good”, seven groups said in a joint statement marking the 50^th anniversary of the 1964 Surgeon General’s report on the dangers of smoking. Vigorous pursuit of higher tobacco taxes, smoke-free environments and anti-smoking media campaigns were among the strategies proposed to reach that goal.