Tobacco Asia

68 tobaccoasia CLOSING NEWS 卷尾新闻 harm reduction framework that promotes safer nicotine alternatives, encourages responsible use among adults, and supports sustainable industry practices. Spain Moves to Ban Outdoor Smoking Spain has introduced a new bill aimed at banning smoking and vaping in outdoor public spaces, including beaches, restaurant and bar terraces, bus stops, and sports stadiums. Officials say the measure targets the growing popularity of these habits among young people. Health minister Monica García, stressed that protecting public health remains the government's top priority. "We'll always put public health ahead of private interests," García said. "Everyone has a right to breathe clean air and live longer and better lives." The hospitality industry quickly voiced concerns, saying the measure could hurt business. Outdoor terraces, used year-round in Spain's mild climate, are popular with smokers, especially since the country banned indoor smoking in 2011. The proposal could also have a notable impact on tourism. Spain welcomed 5.7 million visitors from the UK in 2023. Many tourists are drawn not only to the beaches of Tenerife, Lanzarote, and Gran Canaria but also to the cheaper tobacco prices available in Spain's duty-free zones. The bill also proposes stricter limits on vape and e-cigarette sales and advertising in an effort to reduce nicotine consumption. It follows similar efforts in France, which enacted new smoking restrictions in July. However, France's ban did not extend to outdoor cafe terraces or vaping products, making Spain's approach more sweeping. If approved, the legislation would mark another step in Europe's broader shift toward tougher tobacco control. Despite these efforts, the continent still reports the world's highest smoking rates, with roughly 1 in 4 adults using tobacco. Spain's coalition government, however, faces an uphill battle in getting the proposal through its fragmented parliament, where recent legislative efforts have struggled to gain traction. The cabinet-approved draft did not include a proposal for plain tobacco packaging, a measure already enforced in 25 countries, according to the World Health Organization. PuffPaw Launches Crypto Vape Rewards PuffPaw is turning quitting nicotine into a tangible, rewarding experi- ence by paying users in cryptocurrency. The company unveiled its world-first gamified crypto smart vape at Korea Blockchain Week (KBW), offering a device that tracks nicotine reduction while securing user data on-chain. Each PuffPaw vape embeds a patented encrypted anti-counterfeit- ing code, creating a fully data-sovereign vaping ecosystem. Users earn crypto rewards, unlock exclusive digital content, and access tokenized experiences as they progress on their quitting journey. "This is the first hardware platform that rewards healthier behavior while securing supply chain integrity. We're addressing two crises at once: counterfeit products and nicotine addiction," a PuffPaw spokesperson said. The company has generated US$8 million in revenue, surpassed US$1 million in monthly recurring revenue, and distributed its products to over 65 countries. Its first 3 PuffPaw-powered brands are available in all 3,500 smoke shops across Korea. At KBW, PuffPaw hosted an event for more than 600 attendees, showcasing PrimeCore-powered devices and providing early access to tokenized campaigns. Backing PuffPaw are investors including Lemniscap, Volt Seed Club Ventures, Folius, Sartan, Hypersphere, Karatage, Meltem Demiros, and Santiago Santos. The team combines experience in consumer hardware, blockchain, and global supply chains, having sold over 76 million devices worldwide and generated more than $15 million in sales. C.e.o. and co-founder Reffo Tse has led the company to raise CA$7 million in funding, selling over 40,000 devices and achieving CA$$1 million in monthly recurring revenue. Co-founders Jack Zheng and Paul Lin bring expertise in consumer electronics, health innovation, and chronic illness management, while c.t.o. Rishi Kommuri leads technical and tokenomics development. Head of supply chain Sherry Long ensures scalable operations to meet global demand. Together, PuffPaw's team is pioneering tokenized lifestyle products that integrate blockchain-based authentication with user engagement, creating a new model for incentivized health behavior in the vape industry. Philip Morris Voluntarily Exits Pakistan Exchange PSX The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) approved tobacco giant Philip Morris's request to voluntarily delist from its index, the exchange announced. Headquartered in Stamford, CT, Philip Morris is a major player in Pakistan's tobacco market, offering cigarette brands including Marlboro, Parliament, Morven by Chesterfield, Diplomat, K2, and Red and White. PSX said the delisting follows PSX Regulation 5.14 and Section 19(5) of the Securities Act, 2015, and took effect, October 6. Shareholders interested in selling their stakes are advised to contact Topline Securities, the exchange noted. The company's purchase agent and sponsors have committed to buy the remaining shares held by minority shareholders at Rs1,300 (approximately US$7.20) per share, with the offer valid through September 29, 2026. "The shareholders of the company, who may desire to avail the opportunity of buy back of shares by the sponsors, are advised to approach Topline Securities," the PSX release stated. The offer to buy back shares is valid until September 29, 2026. A proposed bill could have a major impact on Spain's tourism sector. In 2023, the country welcomed 5.7 million visitors from the UK, many of whom were attracted not only by the beaches but also by the lower tobacco prices available in Spain's duty-free zones. Credit: PxHere.

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