Imperial Tobacco admit giving staff free cigarettes 'for research'

Imperial Tobacco, New Zealand's largest tobacco manufacturer, will be going under investigation for giving free cigarettes to its office staff and workers during breaks.

Declaring that "it's purely for research", Imperial Tobacco's commercial boss, Brendan Walker, is confidant they are acting within the law as employees could choose whether to test products. "It's entirely up to an individual whether they see it as a perk or not."

Mr. Walker stated that "the fact of the matter is we're keen to receive the feedback and comments on those particular manufacturing runs." He further added that the products contain no health warnings.

Smoke free legislation bans manufacturers from distributing tobacco products free or at a reduced charge.

Frankfurt Airport unveils smoking lounge in partnership with Japan Tobacco International

One of the world's busiest airports, Frankfurt am Main, has just opened its first purpose built, fully enclosed and ventilated smoking lounge in partnership with Japan Tobacco International. The 65 square metred room is Camel-branded and located in the airport's Terminal B-East.

The facility is the latest in a number of similar lounges rolled out by the cigarette manufacturer in principle airports around the world. It is due to be followed soon by nine more smoking facilities covering an area of just under 1,000 sqaure metres.

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Tobacco signage up at Chinese schools

In dozens of rural villages in China's western provinces, one of the first things primary school kids learn is what made their education possible: tobacco. The China National Tobacco Corporation has sponsored at least 69 elementary schools and thousands of students are exposed to tobacco propoganda on a daily basis.

On the gates of these schools, you'll see slogans that say 'Genius comes from hard work - Tobacco helps you become talented'.