Demand Reduction from Plain and Pictorial Cigarette Warning Labels: Evidence from Experimental Auctions. (11th December 2012)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Rousu, Matthew C.; Thrasher, James F.
• Is Part Of: Applied economic perspectives and policy. Volume 35:Number 1(2013)
• Page Start: 171
• Page End: 184
• Publication Date: 2012-12-11
• Subjects: Experimental auctions -- Cigarette labeling -- Pictorial labels -- Plain packaging; Agriculture -- Economic aspects -- Periodicals; Agriculture and state -- Periodicals; 338.105
• DOI: 10.1093/aepp/pps049
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2040-5790

Abstract

Abstract: We report the results of experimental auctions with U.S. smokers, assessing the percentage of U.S. smokers whose demand for cigarettes decreases when bidding on packs with text and pictorial warnings, relative to packs with text‐only warnings. We find that pictorial labels and pictorial labels accompanied by plain packaging are more effective at reducing demand for cigarettes than only a front text warning label. We also find that pictorial labels were most effective at encouraging younger smokers to reduce their demand for cigarettes, and plain packaging was most effective at reducing demand among less educated smokers.